Digital Commons Network^™

Tech Support Workshops For Seniors: Bridging The Digital Divide, Ana Huerta

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Unequal access to technology for seniors makes already-existing inequalities worse by preventing seniors from taking advantage of opportunities. A key element of Loaves, Fishes & Computers program is the digital literacy department, which assists seniors in overcoming any technological barriers. Seniors can get one-on-one help with any questions they may have about any technology device they possess. Additionally, they collaborate with other organizations to offer tools that might support the well-being of elders. For example, low-cost wifi resources. By offering workshops tailored to the needs of seniors, my project aims to contribute to ending the digital divide. I researched various …

Increasing College Students Awareness Of Technologies Impacts In Their Daily Lives, Melissa Gutierrez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Many college students today may spend an excessive amount of time on technology. Excessive technology may leave an impact on their mental and physical health leading to poor eating habits or obesity, anxiety and can even have an impact on their academics. When college students learn about how to manage their technology use, it is likely they will focus more on the negative impacts to benefit their health and wellbeing. To address the overuse of technology, I created a one-day workshop for Theta Alpha Sigma sorority college students at Cal State Monterey Bay.

Effects Of Using Technology As A Substitution For Education For Students During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Brian Jimenez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The COVID-19 pandemic brought the world in a state of isolation where nearly all of the students were forced to go to school online and be facing a computer screen for many hours throughout the day. However, online education brought many burdens and inequities amongst the students, especially with those living in poor conditions and from minority races. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyze and understand the effects of using technology as a substitution for education during the pandemic. The research process started through voice interviews, but because of time conflicts and schedule changes, questionnaires were instead …

Closing The Digital Divide, Maria Schlotthauer

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The Family Resource Collective is a program under Community Bridges. Serving approximately 5,800 clients per year, the FRC helps the senior community of Santa Cruz County access resources.

There is a huge digital divide within the senior community. The Capstone Project titled ‘Closing the Digital Divide’ will directly address the issue that is now a national crisis. This project will focus on creating several pieces of educational material to aid older individuals in their journey to becoming more technologically savvy. The project teams expect to be able to have materials readily available for all those in need.

In the future, …

Educational Technology Workshops For The Seniors Adults, Maria Guadalupe Martinez Bribiesca

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The City of Watsonville Parks and Community Services works with various ages, from toddlers to seniors, depending on the program or organization. The main focus of this project was to work towards keeping seniors up to date with advanced technology. The problem was that many seniors don’t have the knowledge when it comes to using technology properly. The project's purpose was to educate as many senior citizens with basic computer skills. The workshop was offered both in Spanish and English once every month. The individual appointments are every week on Tuesdays. The project has exceeded expectations. The individual appointments get …

Effects Of Increased Use Of Technology On Elementary School Students In The Classroom, Audri Lawrence

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Technology has become a big part of the education system. Students use technology, such as tablets in their classrooms as early as preschool. There is much debate on whether or not the use of technology is needed in the elementary grades. This capstone closely examines how students are affected by the increased use of technology in the classrooms. In addition, the project explores how the intended technology affects students' development, social skills, and learning. Though technology has become an effective tool for students to use in our classrooms, it should be limited for young children, and should only be used …

Increasing Awareness Among Parents Of Young Children About Technology, Danna Gonzalez Calderon

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Nowadays, many parents allow their young children to have access to technology and may not know the impact of technology use in children. For example, technology use can have an impact on the child’s conversational skills, social development, attention span, and relationship skills. When parents learn more about the benefits and detriments of technology use for young children, they will be able to set goals and make a plan for when their children do use technology. To increase parents’ awareness of the impact of technology use, I have designed a one-day session that will cover the benefits and detriments of …

Lifelong Learning: Improving Older Adult Technology Use, Lisa Gonzales

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Older adults who lack technology skills may become increasingly socially isolated, especially during the pandemic. The objective for these older adults is to feel confident, have renewed independence, and age successfully. Developing new learning opportunities about technology and providing information about technology, enables older adults to be motivated and confident to participate in a new-to-them tool for communication. It is an opportunity for older adults to learn new skills that will benefit them now and in the future. This workshop will allow older adults to become familiar with how technology will benefit them. This digital is specific to new technology …

Educational Intervention On The Use Of Zoom For Spanish Speaking Families, Lundi Barroso

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Rebekah Children Services is a non-profit agency that implements the Family Resource Center to provide additional resources such as workshops and home items, for families in need of child and family behavioral services; especially to the low-income Spanish-speaking families in the Gilroy community. The macro level problem is clients not receiving assistance for their mental health needs. The micro level problem is the decrease in parent engagement with the FRC online services. The purpose of this project is to increase parent engagement with online workshops via zoom. The project will promote the knowledge of technology to be easily accessible to …

An In Depth Analysis: Following The Potential Long-Term Effects Of Loss Of Engagement On Students, Stephanie Zavala

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone paper examines the various factors influencing student engagement and academic performance as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This report addresses the following research questions: (1) "What might be the long-term effects of loss of engagement on children after the COVID-19 pandemic? (2) What are the primary factors that affect student engagement? In a review of the literature, this paper examines the research on natural disasters, extreme weather conditions, truancy, and summer vacations to project the impact on interrupted education. In order to fully consider the impact of the year-long Shelter-in-Place order on a local middle school, this …

Are You Listening Students? It’S Me, Zoom: Engaging High School Students During Distance Learning, Sally Ryan

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The focus of this capstone project is to improve student engagement during online learning. Over a year ago, schools had to shut down due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, and online instruction began. Teachers and students had to adjust to this new mode of instruction. And although new technology made this transition more manageable, students' needs in an online learning environment differ from face-to-face instruction. Distance learning has presented many challenges this past year because most of our school systems are not set up for K-12 schooling to be remote. An evidence-based argument is offered that without proper student engagement, learning …

Effectiveness Of Digital Literacy Classes, Beatriz Perez-Haro

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Loaves Fishes Computers (LFC) is a non profit organization that offers low cost computers in Monterey County to families in need. The macro level problem is that families don’t have access to technology. The agency problem is that parents don’t know how to use a computer. The agency offers digital literacy classes (DLC) to parents who have school-aged children and need a computer. Classes are offered to parents who want to learn more about computers. A survey was conducted to determine if there is an improvement in the computer skills of parents. The most important finding is that parents noticed …

Primary Education And The Use Of Technology, Neyfy Fernandez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Modern day technology has seeped into homes at an alarming rate in the past decade. Children now have access to computer programs, applications, social media and educational programs all at their reach. The classroom isn’t immune to this scenario. This senior capstone project explored whether technology is beneficial in the classroom for primary children. Literature reviews and teacher questionnaires from four Gonzales Unified School District teachers were used to answer the question. The results found that social and emotional development was the most vital aspect in the preschool level and when technology was used in the classroom strict screen time …

The Opaque Operations Of 21st Century Populism, Konnor Callihan

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

In my capstone, I claim that the populism of the 21st century should be considered a political style as elucidated by Benjamin Moffitt. But Moffitis’s understanding of political style does not adequately address how populism morphs through new technological systems, such as algorithms, filter bubbles, echo chambers in our internet devices. This theoretical framework takes necessary elements from past theories and stresses the performance that is vital to populism in our modern media ecosystem. The charismatic leader is no longer necessary, but the "opaque operations"( i.e algorithms, filter bubbles,echo chambers) allow populism to be almost self replicating. These “populist actors” …

Disperse And Connect: Impacts Of Communication And Transportation Technologies On Group Connectivity, Timothy Geary

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Communication and transportation technologies have swiftly advanced our ability to connect across time and space. This project explores how these advancements have impacted the African Diaspora and the connection through music. We explore the evolution of both communication and transportation technologies and note points of contact between the diaspora group.

Technology In Education, Hannah Greenelsh

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This paper will examine how technology is useful in education and should be integrated into curriculum. The participants for the Capstone Project included 23 fifth-grade students in a public middle school on the Central Coast of California. This project focused on using a web-based art program called Canva to create infographics based on students’ knowledge and study of Ancient Egypt. The students also commented on their peers’ work on a blog page the researcher created. The researcher found that students had difficulty using a new application. They were also less creative than the researcher expected, which could be due to …

The Impact Of Limited Internet And Computer Access Within An Urban Community, Marie Lizbeth Alonzo

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Loaves, Fishes and Computers (LFC) is a non-profit organization located in Monterey County which focuses on helping low-income individuals obtain computers and other services, such as low-cost internet access and technical support, to help bridge the technology gap in the county. It has been seen that there is a lack of accessibility to the Internet and computers within the low-income community of Gonzales, CA. The impact of limited accessibility within the community is affecting the way individuals gain the knowledge necessary in attaining their goals and becoming self-sufficient. This project helped collect data to build a collaboration to help bridge …

Creating Access With Technology, Guadalupe Lopez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Encompass Head Start and Early Head Starts main office located in Watsonville, CA, is where the behind the scenes work for the 18 toddler sites within Santa Cruz county is performed; including designing methods for family recruitment. Encompass Head Start and Early Head Start has been designated as Chronically Under Enrolled for its continuous trend of under enrollment in its programs, with Early Head Starts Home Base/ Home Visitors program impacted the most. An online form was implemented to add to the methods of collecting applications for Encompass Early Head Start Home Base/ Home Visitors program. Families will have more …

Midi: A Standard For Music In The Ever Changing Digital Age, Taylor Romo

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is the technology that allows synthesizers and controllers to communicate and manipulate other pieces of gear as well as computer software. This technology has permanently changed the way music is produced and performed. This paper will explore the importance of MIDI technology as a tool for music production as well as for music performance. This will be done by first examining the history and development of MIDI technology, including the reasons why it was created. Many examples will be given of how MIDI is a crucial component in recording studios, music production studios, and live …

Swiping Your Life Away Failing To Find Love Through Dating Apps, Jesus A Ramirez Martinez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This essay focuses on examining the dating experience and interactions in the age of digital technology, specifically where social disempowered users of dating applications tend to reinforce systemic social oppression. This research draws from literature about communication ethics, critical theory studies, digital media studies and includes personal observations and experiences. Even though some apps have allowed minorities; the LGBTQ community, people of color (POC) and other groups, to interact in a platform where they share common interests, there are still some dating apps which are more mainstream. Dating within the same platform where ethical communication and intent has been swayed …

Sit With Us: Benefits Of Inclusion, Anali Vargas-Sanchez, Spencer Smith

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The focus of this Capstone project is on understanding the benefits of an inclusive classroom setting. This is important because, there is a stigma that special education students hinder the learning of general education students, but the data provided in this paper will show otherwise. The primary stakeholders perspectives that were surveyed were three special education educators familiarized with an inclusive setting, one being a teacher and the other two teacher aides. Three ways to improve inclusion include co-teaching, increased training, and using technology to assist students. Based on the findings collected from the interviews and research formulated in this …

Sit With Us: Benefits Of Inclusion, Spencer Smith

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The focus of this Capstone project is on understanding the benefits of an inclusive classroom setting. This is important because, there is a stigma that special education students hinder the learning of general education students, but the data provided in this paper will show otherwise. The primary stakeholders perspectives that were surveyed were three special education educators familiarized with an inclusive setting, one being a teacher and the other two teacher aides. Three ways to improve inclusion include co-teaching, increased training, and using technology to assist students. Based on the findings collected from the interviews and research formulated in this …

The Effects Of Using Geogebra On Student Achievement In Secondary Mathematics, Ashley Rose Martinez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), in 2010 approximately 30% of 12th grade United States (U.S.) students were proficient or advanced in mathematics, 38% were basic in mathematics, and 32% were below basic (NCES, 2013). The U.S. adopted the curricula of higher performing nations through the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The CCSS for mathematics advises teachers to integrate technology into the classroom as a manipulative to help students engage in high-level mathematical concepts. The purpose of this study was to determine if integrating GeoGebra, an iPad application, would have a positive effect on student …

The Impact Of Social Media On Esl Students’ Learning Performance, Phasita Anankulladetch

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

In recent years, social media has become a common technology-supported learning tool for public and academic use. Students can use social networks to supplement their learning through the discussion and sharing of academic materials. The purpose of this study was to identify the English as a Second Language (ESL) students’ experience in the classroom facilitated by using a social media platform. Specifically, a quasiexperimental quantitative research design was used to determine the impact of social media on ESL students’ learning performance. Participants consisted of ESL students’ at an adult school in Central California aged 18 and older (n = 37). …

Using Minecraft To Integrate Common Core Activities Across Elementary School Curriculum, William A J Couling

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Minecraft, an open world sandbox game rich with educational possibility, has been a growing sensation among elementary age children across the US. Though there has been some experimentation in a number of schools across the United States, there has been no mass movement to embracing Minecraft as a virtual learning environment. With advances in the fields of Virtual Learning Environments and the new wave of educational thinking known as the “Maker Movement,” the modern educational field has an opportunity for radical new ways of teaching. Using an elementary school as a model in the Monterey Bay area, I surveyed a …

Accommodating Students Different Learning Styles With The Use Of Technology, Jaime Prieto

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The understanding of different learning styles is crucial for student academic success. The area of concentration pertaining to this topic includes the cognitive development during the adolescent age group selected. To create a good academic foundation, the teacher must exhibit different forms of learning styles to the students to create awareness and a good academic foundation. With the mass inclusion of technology in our society and education system, this research will attempt to understand the positive and negative effects of technology on effecting the students’ ability to use their effective learning style. Through the use of literature reviews and interviews …

The Modern Book: The Forms, The Essence, The Experience, Melanie J. Renton

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The digital era has changed the way we humans read a book. No longer are words confined to a bound leaflet of pages sitting on a bookshelf. Now, technology has transformed the mediums upon which books are written. Electronic books are sweeping the book market, digitizing the stories to display them to a larger audience. Audiobooks are whispering tales in our ears, resting our eyes while igniting our imaginations. With stories jumping off the traditional medium of print, we are able to experience the new possibilities of how books are published, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. This essay …

Soft Sound: A Guide To The Tools And Techniques Of Software Synthesis, Quinn Powell

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

“Soft Sound” is an examination of software synthesis, the act of using computer software to create audio signals from scratch. It begins with the basics of sound, a prerequisite for understanding any form of synthesis. Then, it delves into a quick history of analog and digital synthesizers before jumping into the heart of the paper: a look at the forms of synthesis that are commonly done in software rather than analog hardware. These forms include wavetable modulation, frequency modulation, and granular synthesis. Different environments for implementing such techniques will be discussed, ranging from user-friendly virtual synthesizers to low-level programming environments. …

Impact Of A Contingency Cell Phone Plan On Secondary Students’ On-Task Behavior, Lindsay Hack

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Use of technology as a tool for reinforcement to increase on-task behavior is imminent given the role of technology in society. This study utilizes the implementation of a contingency cell phone plan designed to increase on-task behavior. An ABAB design was employed with at-risk, secondary students receiving special education services in a continuation high school. Three male students, ages 16-18, with a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) were selected due to difficulty with on-task behavior. Participants were granted access to their cell phone after demonstrating 5 minutes of on-task behavior. On-task behavior was defined as any behavior that …

The Changing Role Of Technology At The Elementary School Level, Jenna Kaysen

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The world we live in has become heavily influenced by technology. Elementary education is no exception. In today’s classrooms, there are a multitude of technological programs and resources used by teachers and students. This capstone examines the changing role of technology at the elementary school level. Through the use of literature review, online research, and interviews with multiple elementary teachers in Santa Cruz County, results findings reveal the effects on teaching and learning at the elementary school level. There are many positive outcomes as well as some of concern for this transition. This new technology comes with a learning curve …