Incorporating International Collaboration and Usability Evaluation Into a Technical Communication Course

Abstract

This chapter describes how globalization and rapid technological change are transforming technical communication both in academia and the corporate world. Products and technologies are used by a variety of user groups, and usability has become an important requirement. The transnational pedagogical collaboration, the Trans-Atlantic and Pacific Project, has taken up the gauntlet by providing students with a simulated professional environment and sharing insights into collaborative writing, translation, and usability evaluation. By reflecting on previous studies and the author´s experiences, this article explores issues relevant to teachers when incorporating international collaboration and usability evaluation into a technical communication course. It describes international student collaboration regarding usability practices and discusses the benefits and challenges of usability evaluation as part of international collaboration. It concludes by suggesting guidelines for teachers to facilitate international collaboration and usability evaluation in higher education setting.