Education: Time Flies You Cannot They Fly Too Fast

Jean Gasen

Hmm. What does that mean? Time flies you cannot they fly too fast It's a brain teaser that I have often used in my classes. Just add punctuation to the words above to give it meaning. Got the answer? Not yet? OK, here's a hint: Try questioning it in some way.

This example typifies my time as HCI Education Editor in several ways. And as I look back on the past three years, I can draw from this example to help summarize these reflections.

First, my time as Education Editor has truly flown. It has also been marked by significant and rapid changes in HCI education. From the development of workshops (Gasen et al., 1993a, Gasen, et al., 1994a; Löwgren et al., 1994) to ftp databases (Gasen et al., 1994b) to full WEB site description of courses (Gasen, 1996b), the growth and sharing of information and ideas among HCI educators has been quite phenomenal.

To solve the phrase above, you must challenge assumptions -- break out of the expected mold and traditional ways of solving problems. Similarly, challenging assumptions has been a critical component in the development of HCI. Questioning assumptions -- about the ways systems are developed, how users actually do their tasks, and how systems work within their real world contexts -- have all contributed to the growth (and importance) of the field. Thinking about new ways of structuring the teaching, learning and evaluation of HCI also has been an important part of this process and has been an integral part of the Education column too (Gasen, 1993b, Gasen, 1995a, Gasen, 1995b). Third, taking time to reflect in order to gain new insight is central to solving complex problems. In a Bulletin context, reflecting on the social context and long term implications of what we, as HCI professionals and educators do, has also been important to me (Gasen, 1994c,Gasen, 1995c). While I have tried not to prescribe or preach to a specific agenda, I wanted to make others aware of the potential impacts of their work on the larger picture. Happily, the HCI (and HCI education) field is increasingly recognizing the importance of reflection in the development of good design skills (Gasen, 1995c; Gasen, 1995a) Finally, a challenge must be viewed as just that -- a challenge as opposed to a problem. Incorporating a bit of humor has helped keep my perspective on HCI education in perspective (Gasen, 1993b; Gasen, 1995b) Using examples that invite challenge while maintaining a sense of adventure was key for me. And, I vowed never to take myself so seriously that I couldn't afford to laugh once in a while.

Nevertheless, time flies. And as Atlanta brings forth the Olympic Games and preparations for CHI 97, it is the right time to "pass the torch." I am pleased that Andy Sears of DePaul University has agreed to take on the task as next Education Editor. His background, interests and emerging leadership in HCI Education have already demonstrated that he is up to the task. And his energy and commitment will help keep education issues at the forefront of the SIGCHI Bulletin and the HCI community at large.

Now, to finish the challenge by questioning the phrase -- Time flies? You cannot. They fly too fast. Just another user-centered solution brought to you by Mother Nature!

References

Gasen, J.B., Aiken, P. (1993a): Report on the CHI'92 Workshop on Lessons Learning from Teaching HCI: Challenges, Innovations and Vision, SIGCHI Bulletin, 25(1), 5-7, January 1993.
Gasen, J.B. (1993b): On lessons learned from A.A. Milne with contributions from Winnie the Pooh. SIGCHI Bulletin, 25(2), 5-6, April 1993.
Gasen, J.B., Preece, J., Gorny, P. and Hewett, T. (1994a): Advances in teaching the HCI Design Process. SIGCHI Bulletin, 26(1), 9-12, January 1994.
Gasen, J.B. (1994b): Update on the HCI Education Survey. SIGCHI Bulletin, 26(2), 8-10, April 1994.
Gasen, J.B. (1994c): Supporting life throughout life: The ultimate HCI Challenge. SIGCHI Bulletin, 26(3), 6-7, July 1994.
Gasen, J.B. (1995a): The Birth of a Notion. SIGCHI Bulletin, 27(1), 8-9, January 1995.
Gasen, J.G. (1995b): Questioning minds need to know, SIGCHI Bulletin, 27(2), 3, April 1995.
Gasen, J.B. (1995c): Looking for Footprints: Evaluation Issues in HCI Education. SIGCHI Bulletin, 27(4), 20-22, October 1995.
Löwgren, J. Quinn, C., Gasen, G. and Gorny, P. (1994): Designing the teaching of HCI: A CHI '94 Workshop. SIGCHI Bulletin, 26(4), 28-31, October 1994.
Gasen, J.B. (1996a): HCI Education: Past, Present and Future? SIGCHI Bulletin, 28 (1), 8-10, January 1996.
Gasen, J.B. (1996b): More Needles in the Haystack, SIGCHI Bulletin, 28 (2), 4, April 1996

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Vol.28 No.3, July 1996
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