Culturally-Integrative Encoding: A Human-Computer Interaction Approach to Cultural Learning Interfaces
Name
prakash-meganp-meng-eecs-2023-thesis.pdf
Description
Thesis PDF
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39.42 MB
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Adobe PDF
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Author(s)
Prakash, Megan
Advisor(s)
Harrell, Fox
Date Issued
June 2023
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
I introduce the Encoding and Decoding Model of Cultural Learning Experiences, which provides structure for analyzing how a creator transforms a source culture into an interactive pedagogical experience about that culture and how individual users interpret that experience. I synthesize principles from museology, cultural computing, cultural pedagogy, and computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) to create an approach broadly accessible to creators and human-computer interaction (HCI) researchers. My novel approach emphasizes how CSCL principles can be applied to leverage capabilities of social informal learning spaces; I also embed the ability to address prosocial concerns and to actively support inclusive design practices. Secondly, I propose the Culturally-Integrative Encoding Methodology for constructing an interactive cultural learning experience that (1) represents the culture in a manner that is acceptable and recognizable as accurate to members of that culture, (2) meets contemporary cultural pedagogy goals by supporting a diverse audience in concrete acquisition, abstract acquisition, perspective-taking, and possible perspective transformation, and (3) is usable and engaging for its target audience. I prototype the usage of this methodology by creating the Virtual Latin Quarter Experience (VLQE) in collaboration with the Universal Hip-Hop Museum, demonstrating that a collaborative design process described in the methodology can be used to create a culturallyintegrative online learning interface. A pilot study (n=14) suggests that the VLQE may be able to support relevant pedagogical and usability goals. Future work includes exploring how the Encoding and Decoding Model and the Culturally-Integrative Encoding can scaffold applications of CSCL research, pedagogical frameworks, and inclusive design practices.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
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