“Rethinking Computing” – Thursday, Nov. 5, 4:15pm

Craig Mundie, Microsoft

“Rethinking Computing”

Thursday, Nov 5, 4:15 p.m.

Doors open at 4:00 p.m.; arrive early for best seating!

Location: Kane 120

Please join Computer Science & Engineering for a special presentation by Craig Mundie, chief research and strategy officer of Microsoft. Craig is one of two senior executives who took over from Bill Gates. He is responsible for the company’s long-term technology strategy.

Craig will talk about how software and information technology can help solve the most pressing global challenges we face today. He will demonstrate a number of current and future-looking technologies that show how computer science is changing scientific exploration and discovery in exciting ways. Craig will discuss the role of new science in solving the global energy crisis, and answer questions from the audience.

For more information about Microsoft and Craig Mundie, visit http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/exec/craig/

Looking for student feedback on MyUW

The developers for MyUW are looking for feedback on the student-related tabs of the revamped MyUW. So far, the changes have been primarily cosmetic but they hope to reorganize where links are located on the page, rename certain items for clarity, and break out the “student” tab into areas dedicated to “academics”, “finances”, and “admissions”.

I’ve been working with one of the developers to create a mockup of the new layout and we are now looking for a few students who would be willing to participate in a 30-45 minute usability test. In particular, we would like to know whether this new interface better meets your common questions and needs.

If interested in participating, contact me at deugen3@uw.edu.

Many web-related Work-study jobs on campus

There are currently some wonderful opportunities for HCDE students interested in web design. These positions are open to work-study eligible students only. For more information, visit:

http://www.washington.edu/students/osfa/ugaid/workstudy.html

A sample of the current job listings:

New Localization certificate offered by UW Extension

http://www.outreach.washington.edu/ext/certificates/lcl/lcl_gen.asp

New Program!

Learn to create international success for businesses with key technologies and cultural adaptation. Learn to use localization tools such as machine translation, terminology management, and global content management systems (GCMS) to customize the delivery of products and services. Gain hands-on experience with localization project management and exercises that simulate the environments localization managers face on the job today.

What the Program Covers

  • Localization history, concepts, and technology tools
  • Cross-cultural understanding and effective communication
  • Terminology management
  • Project management

Winter Courses

Introduction to Localization

Schedule: Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m., Jan. 6-Feb. 10; two Saturday sessions, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Jan. 16 and Feb. 6; $699; 3 CEUs.

Instructor: Paolo de Oliveira

This course introduces students to the basic concepts of localization. We cover history, workflow, roles, technology tools, where to find a job and the future of the industry. Students will take these concepts and see how they relate to real-life situations as well as listening to guest speakers in the industry.

Continue reading

The Cursed Class of 2009 (?)

This article from the Chronicle of Higher Ed gave me the chills… I remember the challenge of my  job search as a 2005 UW graduate (English BA). I hope all of you in the Class of 2009 and 2010 hang in there while job-searching. Don’t forget to utilize the HCDE and UW resources: HCDE Jobs Database, UW Career Center, and UW Alumni Association.

The Cursed Class of 2009

By Stephanie Johnson

From the Class of 2009, and Cursed 1 I always thought that something special would mark my life. If not something special, at least something good, like the beginning of a meaningful career or a move from the Midwest to the East Coast. But what I’m certain will mark my existence forever is this: The curse of graduating in 2009.

I think The Wall Street Journal coined that phrase; at least that’s where I first remember hearing it. I read a May 9 article that said my college class faces the toughest job market in 25 years and our wages will be less than those of other graduating classes for at least a decade. I printed and saved the story, but I haven’t read it again until now, the fall after my college graduation. Continue reading

World Usability Day: Submit Your Essay by Nov. 6 for a Chance to Win a Kindle

New Picture (4)World Usability Day: Submit Your Essay by Nov. 6 for a Chance to Win a Kindle
Interested in usability and green IT? For World Usability Day on November 13, submit 100-300 words on “How can the user experience community support the future of sustainability?” by November 6. Human Factors International will award Kindles to two top winners.

http://www.humanfactors.com/home/WUD2009.asp

RISE and RISE professional Internships

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is pleased to announce that for summer 2010 we will again offer the RISE (Research Internships in Science and Engineering) and RISE professional programs. Scholarships are awarded to American and Canadian undergraduates (RISE) and graduate students (RISE professional) in the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences (geology), and engineering. RISE has established itself as an outstanding opportunity to combine serious research with a rewarding study-abroad experience.

RISE undergrads have the opportunity to work on cutting edge research projects at top research institutions (e.g., Max-Planck-Institutes) and universities in Germany. Students are paired with German PhD students in a unique mentoring partnership to ensure immediate integration into hands on lab work and built-in social network with an excellent opportunity to develop new technical skills. RISE participants receive a scholarship to cover living expenses. RISE interns are not only exposed to advanced research but have the rare opportunity to  learn about Germany from the inside as they  make new friends, establish professional contacts and spend weekends exploring the heart of Europe. Continue reading