Culturally-Integrative Encoding: A Human-Computer Interaction Approach to Cultural Learning Interfaces

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.