Approaching emerging technologies: Exploring significant human-computer interaction in the budget-limited classroom

Abstract

There has been an explosion of sensor, presentation, and display technology available for exploration in Human-Computer Interaction. While much of this technology is readily available, approachable, and/or inexpensive, such as cell phone or Web display, other technology remains relatively expensive in the context of classroom instruction. This work presents an approach to exposing students to the principles encapsulated in expensive technologies using less expensive alternatives. Arranged in four broad categories, Brain-Computer Interfacing, Haptics, Augmented/Virtual Reality, and General interfaces, we survey a collection of devices and emerging technologies appropriate for student use in group and individual Human-Computer Interaction projects.