Digital Commons Network^™

Designing The World Precedes Designing The Word: The Paulo Freire Method Applied To Typography Education, Hiền L.D. Phan, Azadeh Jalali, Frederick M. C. Van Amstel

Learn X Design Conference Series

This paper describes a critical pedagogy design experiment in typography education in a public university in the United States of America. Inspired by Paulo Freire’s claim that reading the world precedes reading the word, typography was reframed in this experiment as a designing of the world through designing the word. To design words this way, graphic design students need first to re-read the designs of their worlds, have something to say about that, and then critically embed their (designed) word into their (designed) world. This experiment builds upon the critical design pedagogy program set forth by the Design & Oppression …

Scale Up: Enabling Definitional Discussion In Graphic Design Using A Visual Analogue Scale (Vas), Alis Iacob, Meherunisa Baig

Learn X Design Conference Series

This letter aims to highlight some of the definitional challenges in graphic design research. The authors suggest using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), a psychometric tool traditionally employed in psychology, as a prompt for facilitating discussions around the definition of graphic design. By anchoring the scale's endpoints with the divisive concepts of "form" and "function," the proposal seeks to contextualise these diverse opinions within the historical and current complexities involved in defining graphic design. According to the literature, ambiguous viewpoints often emerge from the nature of the discipline and its evolving practices, perspectives which are frequently influenced by socio-cultural, political, …

2025 September 12 - Academic, Research And Student Success Committee Agenda And Minutes, Board Of Trustees, East Tennessee State University

Board of Trustees Agendas and Minutes

No abstract provided.

Visual Narrative Through The Wimba Approach In Tahilalats Comic With Campaign Theme Bersama Stop Judi Online, Rangga Pangkuluhur Gumelar, Basnendar Herry Prilosadoso

Bahasa dan Seni: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra, Seni, dan Pengajarannya

Comics, as a medium for conveying ideas and concepts through imagery, integrate textual and visual elements to construct meaning and communicate messages effectively. Their distinctive visual communication enables the delivery of complex social issues in an accessible manner through characters, panels, layouts, and visual representations of sound and dialogue. This study analyzes the Tahilalats comic (2024 edition), which incorporates the hashtag #bersamastopjudol as part of a visual campaign against online gambling addiction. The narrative is presented entirely through images without verbal language. The research applies Primadi Tabrani’s Wimba theory to decode visual language and Roland Barthes’ semiotics to interpret symbolic …

Amplifying Voices In The Midst Of A Substance Use Crisis: Storyvisual Approach, John E. Stewart, Victoria Wagner-Greene

The RAISE Center Journal

The United States is experiencing an unprecedented substance use crisis. Strategies are needed to engage, inform and empower young adults and others affected either directly or indirectly by substance use. Based on visual information processing and storytelling theories, the StoryVisual approach is a visual communication method that combines powerful web-sourced graphics with minimal text to relate valuable information, experiences, perspectives, and opportunities in story form. To date, more than 240 students in substance use education classes at a public university in Texas have created and shared StoryVisual products, addressing such drug-related topics as vaping, fentanyl, heroin, LSD, marijuana, and substance …

Developing A Program Theory To Guide Program Evaluation, Amanda D. Ali

Journal of Extension

A program theory specifies how a program is intended to work. It is different from a logic model and bears importance in program evaluation by considering a program’s processes. This article shares an application for developing a program theory, a worksheet that assists with this process, and a graphical illustration that visually communicates program flow.

Deaf Faculty Members’ Experiences In Higher Education Institutions, Stephanie Proctor Horvath

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Deaf faculty members bring diverse perspectives to higher education, yet their experiences remain underexplored in academic research. The critical first year of teaching can shape their career experiences, revealing both opportunities for growth and systemic barriers. The purpose of this study was to understand deaf faculty members’ experiences, focusing on their transition into academic roles, the accommodations provided in their workplaces, and the challenges they faced. This study employed a qualitative phenomenological design, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 15 Deaf faculty members, whose teaching experience ranges from 1 to 30 years. In the reflexive thematic analysis and AI-coding of this data, …

Teaching In Authentic Ways: Exhibit Work And Student Curators In Special Collections, Rebecca Fitzsimmons

Faculty and Staff Publications – Milner Library

Engaging students in exhibit work offers them a chance to learn new skills and grow as scholars while producing a tangible and public-facing project outcome from their coursework. From learning to communicate complex ideas to making research connections between rare and primary sources, exhibit curation relies on building research skills, sharpening writing and communication techniques, and developing critical thinking skills. Pushing and refining ideas is an essential part of the iterative process of research, and exhibit curation invites students to learn this practice in a real-world, project-based way. More specifically, it requires students to read, review, compare, and analyze more …

Co-Design Of A Program For Medical Students’ Experiential Learning In Community-Engaged Research, Daenique H. A. Jengelley, Tess D. Weathers, Dustin O. Lynch, Morgan E. Ness, Luis Garcia, Gina E. Claxton, J. Dennis Fortenberry, Tamara S. Hannon

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Medical education may lack experiential training on authentic community engagement (CE). Employing a human-centered design approach with medical faculty and students to identify goals, opportunities, needs, and barriers to implementing CE research, we developed an Experiential Community Engagement Learning Series (EXCELS) pilot program. EXCELS supported both our community partners and medical students as a platform from which to learn from each other. EXCELS can be accomplished virtually, incorporated in medical training, and disseminated broadly.

An Action Research Study On Ai Video Vs. Written Feedback: Enhancing Undergraduate Academic Writing And Critical Thinking, Sandra Baroudi, Nida Mubeen, Suha Karaki

All Works

This action research explores how AI-assisted feedback formats influence students’ academic writing and critical thinking, a gap particularly relevant in the digital learning landscape. This study involved 40 undergraduate Emirati students divided into two groups, receiving either AI-generated video or written feedback across three assignments. Using a quantitative design, data were gathered using standardized critical thinking and academic writing skills rubrics. Additionally, students completed post-surveys to capture their perceptions, engagement levels and use of AI tools in the learning process. Results showed written feedback significantly improvemed critical thinking (M = 2.80, SD = 0.75) compared to video feedback (M = …

Action Research To Explore The Use Of Augmented Reality To Support High School Students In Understanding And Creating Art Work In A Drawing Course, Alicia Joanne Cobler

Theses and Dissertations

High school students in Drawing 1 at a high school in South Carolina struggle to understand meaning or make personal connections to their own artwork. The purpose of this action research was to evaluate the implementation of immersive reality technology, specifically augmented reality (AR), in art for high school Drawing 1 students to help them understand meaning in art and create their own meaningful artwork. Creating personally meaningful symbolic works of art is one of the first Visual Art National Core Standards (National Core Visual Art Standards, 2014). Creating meaning in artwork allows students to understand society, provide an opportunity …

Students’ Experiences Using Peer Review To Affect Writing Self-Efficacy And Writing Performance In An Undergraduate Mass Communications Writing Course, Nina Morrison Brook

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this action research was to examine the impact of peer review on writing self-efficacy and writing performance in an undergraduate online writing for mass communications course. The study focused on two research questions: (1) How and to what extent does structured peer review affect undergraduate students’ writing self-efficacy in an online writing for mass communications course in a large public Southeastern university? and (2) How and to what extent does structured peer review affect undergraduate students’ writing performance in an online writing for mass communications course in a large public Southeastern university? This research used peer review …

Learning Management Systems Special Needs Support In K-12 Schools: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study, Eric Ryan Levels

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the use of learning management systems to improve student learning outcomes for K-12 special education teachers at Aldridge Independent School District in the United States. This study followed Moustakas's (1994) transcendental phenomenological research methodology to describe the lived experiences of special education teachers using learning management systems. Moustakas explores the techniques and principles involved in describing human experiences to uncover their underlying essence and meaning. The central research question aims to explore the lived experiences of special education teachers using learning management systems in K-12 schools within the Aldridge Independent School …

Innovative Virtual Mentoring: The Impact Of Technology On Neurologic Physical Therapy Education, A Case Study, Joy Williams, Joanne Pho

Pacific Journal of Health

Purpose: This case report provides an example of the utilization of true wireless earbud (TWE) technology within virtual mentoring sessions in an outpatient setting, aimed at enhancing mentee learning within a neurologic physical therapy residency program.

Methods: The mentor- mentee pair, consisting of one mentor and one mentee, participated in virtual mentorship sessions using a combination setup that included visual communication through a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant video conferencing platform delivered on a tablet, and audio through TWE. The sessions involved the mentee and patient in a face-to-face physical therapy session, with the mentor participating over …

Integrating Universal Generative Ai Platforms In Educational Labs To Foster Critical Thinking And Digital Literacy, Vasiliy S. Znamenskiy, Joel Hernandez, Rafael Niyazov

Publications and Research

This study investigates the educational potential of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) platforms based on large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, as tools for studentcentred learning. Recognizing the current limitations of GenAI, particularly its propensity for generating inaccurate or misleading information—the paper proposes a novel instructional strategy: an interdisciplinary laboratory designed to foster critical evaluation of GenAI-generated outputs. In this pedagogical model, students engage with GenAI systems by posing questions or solving problems drawn from topics they have already studied and understand. Equipped with correct answers, students are positioned to assess the accuracy and relevance of AI-generated …

Emotional Intelligence In Higher Education: The Importance Of Recruiting Emotionally Intelligent Leaders, Baker H. Alfarajat

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

This study investigates the presence and importance of emotional intelligence (EI) competencies in higher education leadership by analyzing executive job descriptions in higher education institutions. Using qualitative discourse analysis guided by Goleman et al.'s Emotional Intelligence model, the research investigates whether and how EI is framed as a leadership requirement. The researcher analyzed 20 job descriptions for executive higher education leaders that were selected from The Chronicle of Higher Education’s online job website. The analysis focused on identifying both explicit and implicit language related to EI competencies. Findings reveal that EI competencies primarily appeared as embedded elements within broader leadership …

Attitude About Campus Diversity In A Post Anti-Affirmative Action Era, Robert Shawn Chester

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract Robert Shawn Chester ATTITUDES ABOUT CAMPUS DIVERSITY IN A POST ANTI-AFFIRMATIVE ACTION ERA 2024-2025 Stephanie Lezotte, Ph.D. Master of Arts in Higher Education This thesis examines the implications of the recent Supreme Court ruling that deemed race-based Affirmative Action policies unconstitutional, focusing on its impact on diversity in higher education. Since the 1960s, Affirmative Action has been a pivotal tool in promoting racial equity and diversity in American colleges and universities, yet legal challenges have led to its dismantling in several states and now nationwide. This research explores Rowan University staff perspectives on the challenges and strategies for maintaining …

Optimizing Accessibility Training By Prioritizing Cognitive Needs Of Students With Disabilities, Lio Jones, Kari Goin, Megan Mcfarland

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Despite the significant enrollment of students with disabilities in higher education, research and practice rarely center the voices and leadership of these students, particularly in accessibility training efforts. This paper addresses this gap by presenting an autoethnographic study of a digital accessibility training initiative co-led by a student with multiple disabilities. Using a process that combines participatory research and first-person narrative, this study outlines the development and implementation of faculty training on accessibility that centers the experiences of a student with cognitive disabilities. We propose a new framework for understanding "dynamic disability," a concept that recognizes the complex and evolving …

Notetaking Reimagined: The Impact Of Combining Text And Visuals For Effective Learning, Sarah J. Mussetter

Art 895 Research Papers

This Mixed-Methods Narrative Case Study examines previous research on the effects of visual/ illustrative notes and their effect on knowledge coding, retention, and retrieval processes. It adds to current research in the form of a case study of a high school advanced photography course in Livingston, MT and the effect that adding visuals to notetaking practices affects student performance and memory throughout the semester. This study also proposes a method of introduction to visual notetaking that can be implemented in classrooms regardless of subject matter.

The Missing Link: Connecting Hearing Parents Of Deaf Children To Resources That Re-Center Language Access Decisions Around Their Deaf Child, Ella Stromberg

Undergraduate University Honors Capstones

Countless DHH children around the world experience language deprivation (National Association of the Deaf, n.d.). The deprivation of language severely impacts on a child’s comprehension and communication, limiting essential information for growth; in contrast, a hearing child would have advantageous access. Language deprivation occurs when parents cannot access or are unaware about resources to make educated decisions that center around their child (National Association of the Deaf, n.d.). This three-section project examines the experience of a Deaf individual born into a hearing family with no structural language access until his teenage years, highlighting the long-term impact of limited language exposure …

Teachers’ Beliefs About Asl And Its Impact In The Classroom, Cecilia Echevarria

Honors Scholar Theses

This study explores American Sign Language (ASL) teachers’ beliefs and experiences, and how they influence their instructional approaches and goals for their students. Despite ASL’s growing presence in education as a world language, minimal research has examined ASL teachers’ perspectives and how they shape classroom practices. Through semi-structured interviews, six ASL teachers – three Deaf and three hearing – this research identified four major themes: challenges teachers face in the classroom, cultural takeaways, best teaching practices, and persistent systemic issues affecting ASL’s status in education. Findings suggest that regardless of hearing status, teachers prioritize cultural awareness and respectful engagement with …

Differentiated Instruction For Students With Special Needs: “How Can We Better Equip Students, School Systems, And Society For Differentiated Instruction For Students With Special Needs In Career And Technical Educational Environments?”, Mikala A. Highsmith

Creativity and Change Leadership Graduate Student Master's Projects

Career and Technical Education (CTE) plays a vital role in preparing students for the demands of the modern workforce by providing essential knowledge, technical skills, and industry-recognized certifications. As the number of students with disabilities, including neurodivergent learners, continues to rise, CTE programs face increasing pressure to adopt innovative, inclusive educational practices. Integrating creative teaching strategies and leveraging technology are now critical tools in addressing diverse learning needs that promote effective classroom management and enhance student engagement. Moreover, CTE programs emphasize the development of professional competencies, workforce protocols, and transferable skills that strengthen students’ employability across industries. This paper examines …

Developing Standard Operating Procedures For The Dewitt Town Clerk’S Office, Noura M. Osman

Creativity and Change Leadership Graduate Student Master's Projects

ABSTRACT OF PROJECT

Developing Standard Operating Procedures for the DeWitt Town Clerk’s Office

This project addresses the operational inconsistencies in the DeWitt Town Clerk’s Office in Syracuse, NY, by creating a structured Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) manual. The focus is on six high-impact processes: tax collection, water bill payments, dog licensing (new and renewals), marriage license transcript requests, and handicap parking permit issuance and renewal. Each SOP includes visual info-graphics to enhance accessibility and minimize errors. The final product is designed to improve on-boarding, reduce staff reliance on memory, increase efficiency, and align with creativity and change leadership principles.

Enhancing A Culture Of Stem Attitude And Learner Outcomes Through Design Thinking And Coding With Robotics: A Mixed Methods Study In Fifth Grade Education, Nicole R. Sarty

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Design Thinking (DT) is human-centered, multidisciplinary, and part of the constructivist theory of learning. Using DT in the classroom requires students to explore, collaborate, and communicate with others. Applying DT strategies to authentic real-world robotics projects can increase learner outcomes and improve the STEM attitude in a classroom. This study tested if using real-world coding projects with design thinking strategies in the general education classroom led to an increase in STEM attitude and learner outcomes. Fifth grade curriculum was integrated directly into the classroom with two authentic real-world coding projects allowing for a deeper understanding of content, making this study …

Pedro Aceves Mfa Thesis, Pedro M. Aceves

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

My Work is about looking at Cruising through a queer decolonial lens. Using multiple mediums such as photo, glass, Augmented reality, and film, I explore these queer histories and aesthetics through not just an anthropological approach but also an artistic epistemological approach weaving together narratives of prehispanic and modern queer Latinidad.

Enhancing A Client’S Website Design Through Research On Executive Function Skills: Informed Decision-Making In A Service-Learning Context, Jacob Irelan

Honors Projects

This synthesis project explores how research on executive function skills can inform effective website design in a service-learning context. Executive function skills—including working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility—are foundational to learning and development. By conducting a comprehensive literature review and engaging in service-learning through a client-based web design project, the study bridges interdisciplinary knowledge between education and visual communication technology. The project involved redesigning a client’s website focused on supporting individual's executive function skills, enhancing both its usability and search engine optimization. Hands-on, service learning experience supplemented by academic research allowed for the development of practical skills such as …

Equipping Teachers To Support Comic Literacy: An Analysis Of The Educational Potential Of Toon Book, Kayla Whitlock, Jewel Yoder Kuhns, Sara Kersten-Parrish Dr.

SANE journal: Sequential Art Narrative in Education

Teachers frequently reach for leveled readers to help facilitate their guided reading groups; however, there can be limits in using these leveled readers. One such limit relates to enjoyment and engagement. An answer to this is using TOON books during guided reading time. TOON books are graphic novel leveled readers and were created in response to a need for high quality books for readers of all levels. However, in reading these books teachers need to be aware of the comics form and how those features impact the reading process. In this article, we outline the features common in graphic novels …

Fearfully And Wonderfully Made, Addressing The Lack Of Special Needs Leadership At Fusion Church In Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, Christina Martinez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Problem this student seeks to address is that Fusion Church in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, lacks special needs leadership services.

The world views special needs individuals as a burden, but God views them as anointed sons and daughters. In Matthew 19:14, Jesus tells his disciples to let the children come to him and not to hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. This serves as a reminder that he wants every one of his followers to come to him with the hearts of children. Special needs children and adults have hearts filled with …

Fcrh Honors Program: 2024-25 Year In Review, Fcrh Honors Program

FCRH Honors Program Newsletters and Reports

No abstract provided.

Ibl To Increase Curiosity, Creativity And Critical Thinking, Ryan Mclnroy

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

In the contemporary educational landscape, students face challenges due to a lack of essential skills needed to navigate the complexities of the 21st century, traditional educational practices have chosen to prioritize memorization and standardized testing over experiential learning. This research aims to investigate the potential of Inquiry Based Learning (IBL) strategies to increase creativity, critical thinking, and curiosity among secondary art students. Additionally, the study will look at how the implementation of IBL can enhance student engagement and motivation. By centering the study within a secondary school art classroom, the research focuses on the implementation of a structured inquiry-based project, …