Digital Commons Network^™

Evaluating The Usability And Security Of A Video Captcha, Kurt Alfred Kluever

Theses

A CAPTCHA is a variation of the Turing test, in which a challenge is used to distinguish humans from computers (`bots') on the internet. They are commonly used to prevent the abuse of online services. CAPTCHAs discriminate using hard articial intelligence problems: the most common type requires a user to transcribe distorted characters displayed within a noisy image. Unfortunately, many users and them frustrating and break rates as high as 60% have been reported (for Microsoft's Hotmail). We present a new CAPTCHA in which users provide three words (`tags') that describe a video. A challenge is passed if a user's …

Lithuanian Diaspora: An Interview Study On The Preservation Or Loss Of Pre-World War Two Traditional Culture Among Lithuanian Catholic Émigrés In Western Australia And Siberia, In Comparison With Lithuanians In Their Homeland, Milena Vico

Theses

This study is designed to ascertain the cultural changes which have taken place over a period of fifty years within three distinct Lithuanian communities. Of these three, two communities –one in Western Australia and the other in Siberia –were part of the post-World War Two (WWII) diaspora. The third is still living in Lithuania. I set out to determine the extent to which, during the period of fifty years covered by this study, cultural practices, values and beliefs have been maintained and lost by those who participated in the interviews carried out as part of the methodology of this thesis. …

A Needs Assessment & Exploration For Incorporating Tablet Pc Technology To Improve Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Students Cooperative Learning Experiences In The Mainstream Classroom, Sarah B. Remelt

Theses

This project focuses on qualitative exploratory research that analyzes the possible inclusion of Tablet PC technology and teaching strategies to enhance cooperative learning in the mainstream classroom environment. After 3 observations, suggestions for use of Tablet PC technology and teaching strategies were shared and modeled for the classroom Teachers of the Deaf(TODs). Feedback via interview and survey were solicited from the TODs involved in the study and a final report written. The report showed the findings that the Tablet PC is perceived to have the ability to enhance deaf and hard of hearing student experiences, participation and communication during cooperative …

Teachers’ Knowledge Of English Phonology And Attitudes Toward Reading Instruction As Related To Student Outcomes, Casey L. Lewis

Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if teachers’ knowledge of English phonology and attitudes toward explicit and implicit reading instruction were related to student growth in reading. First-grade teachers completed a knowledge assessment and attitudes survey, and their students were administered reading measures in the spring of kindergarten and first grade. The data were analyzed to determine relationships between teacher variables and student achievement. Moderate correlations emerged between teachers’ knowledge, attitudes toward explicit instruction, and student achievement, but there were no significant correlations between these teacher variables and student reading growth. Teachers with higher levels of knowledge were …

English Language & Third Generation Programming Language Pedagogical Practice Analysis, Vincent Falbo

Theses

In an effort to provide better computer programming instruction to more students at an introductory level, pedagogical methods could be improved using a paradigm of instruction based on the same strategies used to teach students spoken languages. Although many different methodologies of instruction have been explored in the past, this document identifies relationships between spoken languages and computer languages that encourage the exploration of the best practices of teaching English Language Arts so that they could be applied to computer programming instruction. Those with backgrounds in mathematics and science initially completed programming tasks. Much literature about the problem solving aspects …

Self-Portrait, Hong Seon Jang

Theses

My primary aim is to investigate and analyze the ways in which my cultural identity as an Asian artist has been shaped, redefined, and recognized, and how my questions of cultural identities cannot be separated from the broader context of major social, philosophical, and cultural exchanges under the guise of 'Globalization.' [...] The thesis project is a continuation of my inquiries about my cultural identity and how my interpretation of others in the concepts of my art practice has been affected by the authoritative standards of art and humanities set by Western powers over the centuries. I seek to understand …

Mr.Wolf, A Bad Guy?: Digital Multi-Language Story Book, Ya-Wen Chen

Theses

Interactive learning material can be beneficial to the study of languages. Given today's technology, books can not be regarded as the only source of learning or studying languages. However, by integrating the massive information readily available by means of books, World Wide Web, computer technology, and inter-personal relations, one can create digital interactive learning media, which will not only enhance the learning materials but also boost the interests in learning languages.

Transfer And The Fuzzy-Trace Theory, Michael Ryan Massey

Theses

Transfer occurs when something is learned under particular circumstances and is applied in a new, somehow different, situation. This paper will argue that fuzzy-trace theory can be used to explain the process of transfer. The advantage of fuzzy-trace theory is found in a dual-process theory of memory. Fuzzy-trace theory explains a broad range of phenomena and has the strength to conquer the elusive problem of transfer. Trace-cue compatibility theory is a theory of memory retrieval. By combining the trace-cue compatibility theory with fuzzy-trace theory, we get a method for treating both memory storage and memory retrieval. This combination provides a …

Urban Middle School Students’ Perceptions Of Math And Science Teachers’ Caring Behaviors And Student’S Self Reports Of Academic Competence, Brenda Rhyne

Theses

This research examines urban middle school students' perceptions of their math and science teachers' behaviors. Specific caring behaviors (challenging questions, encouragement and praise, non-verbal support, understanding and friendly, and controlling -- which refer to teacher's expectations for classroom behavior) were evaluated by 101 students (72 girls and 29 boys) in grades 7, 8, and 9 by means of a survey instrument. Research findings support earlier investigations confirming that boys and girls interpret teacher friendliness differently. However, both male and female students reported similar perceptions of their teachers' behaviors with respect to praise, non-verbal support, and controlling. In addition, a strong …

Dishsoap For Clean Water: How The Design Of Everyday Objects Can Promote Happiness, Xanthe Matychak

Theses

This project began with the question: What keeps us from achieving sustainable happiness, happiness for ourselves and future generations? I have chosen to focus on the citizen/consumer conflict which occurs when our consumer choices are incongruous with our moral obligations to society. This conflict is a consequence of the market systems that are in place and consumers’ lack of a critical understanding of these systems. Thus, with this project, I am attempting to make these systems more transparent. Looking at economic approaches like price adjustment and awareness-raising strategies I have focused on the latter. Drawing from the history of semiotics …

An Alternative To The "Screen Baby Sitter" For Preschoolers, Soo Min Seo

Theses

The goal of this thesis is to isolate the problems in [avoidable situations in which television is used as a babysitter] and to determine a design-based solution. The mission of the final product is to change the target user's attitude or life pattern in an unforced manner. Ideally, parents will develop a new, more positive attitude toward parenting and children will prefer playtime to television watching, thus becoming more available to their parents.

The Impact Of Variable Data Print On Usability In Design, William Wells

Theses

In a world where people see, process and remember information differently, the question arises: Is technology being used in a manner that acknowledges and addresses user differences to the fullest extent? Currently, new print technologies like Variable Data Printing (VDP) are only being used to create customized direct mailing pieces and personalized products for the purpose of marketing, sales and promotion. However, VDP introduces the ability to change data and design elements in printed documents on an individual basis, making it possible to address differences in visual and cognitive abilities, language and culture, and situational considerations. Applying this concept of …

Deaf Studies For Transfer Deaf Adolescents, Katherine Mcnulty

Theses

This capstone project focuses on developing a curriculum unit that deals specifically with Deafhood. The purpose of this curriculum development project is to help deaf students who transferred from mainstreamed schools to a school for the deaf, leam more about the DEAF-WORLD and thusly adapt to the new environment by constructing a Deaf identity and becoming confident in themselves as contributing members of society. Increasingly, transfer students are introduced to a new educational and cultural environment where sign language is free flowing, one of the primary educational and social languages ofthe deaf. The curriculum unit is divided into five programs: …

Motivation And Second Language Learning: Implications For Asl, Lisa Prinzi

Theses

Motivation is one factor which can influence second language learning. Research on second language learning and motivation influences instructional practices. In this review classic defInitions and aspects of motivation, including integrative and instrumental motivation, will be revisited. Through existing second language learning and motivation research, different instructional theories and strategies have been used and developed over time for the classroom. However, little research into motivation and learning American Sign Language (ASL) exists. Therefore, this paper wi11look into the research that has set out to study motivation and learning ASL. In addition, research centered on motivation and second language Learning in …

Educational Needs Of Late-Deaf Learners, Mitchell Bacot

Theses

None provided.

Recall And Comprehension Of Signs By High School Asl Students:A Study Of Two Movie Formats For An Online Lexical Database, Maria Tedeschi

Theses

This study compared two technical sign movie formats, Quicktime (2D) and threedimentional animations (3D) and examined recall, comprehension, and rehearsal time of signs. There was no significant difference found between the formats for comprehension and recall. However, for rehearsal the high school students had significantly higher sign production scores after viewing 2D signs as comparaed to 3D signs. In addition, there was a significant difference found relating to gender. Girls scored significantly higher on all three measures, regardless of the movie format. In addition, students with more than two years experience with ASL scored significantly higher than those with less …

The Other Mother: An Artist's Conception, Dean Schmiedel

Theses

The Other Mother represents the act of human conception, birth, and nurturing from an artist/man/father’s perspective. The work attempts to reconcile the divide between this ultimate creation and the creative process that we confront through art. The result is a masculinized nursery composed of a chopperized pram, a crib and rocker with hard edges and superhero symbols, and walls decorated with oversized, graphic images. To create the pieces in this installation, I worked closely with men in the traditional masculine trades of automobile customizing, welding, woodcraft, and upholstering. The resulting work is flashy and clean, without the hominess and earthy …

Long-Term Unemployed Men: A Social Constructionist Exploration Of Identity Construction, Elizabeth A. Scott

Theses

Identity construction in long-term unemployed men over the age of thirty-five was explored using discursive psychological analysis (Wetherell, 2001). Forty participants in County Kerry, who had not engaged with statutory agencies providing employment rehabilitation services, were accessed over a three year period in order to identify the reasons for nonengagement. A grounded theory approach (Bryman, 2004) to data collection was utilised. This yielded six broad codes and eighteen categories of discursive resource drawn upon by the men in constructing identities. In explaining their continued absence from the workforce and lack of engagement with services, discourses identified by Levitas (2004) classifying …

Art Curriculum: Self-Expression By Connecting To Real World Events, Sarah Mccormick

Theses

Self-expression in art to connect with real world events is an art curriculum intended for any art teacher across America. The rational for the art curriculum project is to encourage students to learn how to express themselves visually. Actively experiencing history in art as well as the logic of certain artists' reasoning will promote understanding of the real world. Although it would be very easy to have the students follow directions, step-by-step, where the entire class will get the same or similar outcomes. These "cookie-cutter" pieces inhibit students' development as a human being. We, as teachers, need to notice the …

Mathematics And Signing Using Modem Technology, Erin Bosley

Theses

The purpose of this curriculum development capstone project is to provide a sign language resource for the teachers of mathematics classes in deaf education settings. The project consists of a webpage including the clips of various mathematics signs in American Sign Language (ASL). The webpage includes 45 mathematics vocabulary words, taken from the Algebra I mathematics book by Bellman, Bragg, Charles, Hall, Handlin, and Kennedy (2007). A definition as well as visual illustrations and/or visual examples are provided for each word. After the implementation of the website, several questions were asked in order to improve the quality of the webpage. …

Rosetta Stones - Deciphering The Real, Jae-Man Cho

Theses

My MFA thesis show Rosetta Stones - Deciphering the Real, was an investigation of photography in the digital world. I would like to address in this thesis the possibility of using photography to investigate the digital world in which we began to live in not too long ago. I want to show the current new imaging status of photography and the direction it might move in the development of digital technology. Today, art coexists and develops alongside science and technology. The main purpose, as well as the starting point of this thesis, is recognizing that mechanically produced images can have …

A Kinematic Analysis Of Sign Language, Chemuttaai C. Koech

Theses

Signed languages develop among deaf populations and employ manual communication instead of voiced communication. Stokoe attributes classify individual signs in American Sign Language (ASL) and include handshape, hand location, movement, orientation, and facial expression. Signed and oral languages are not mutually understood, and many deaf individuals live in linguistic isolation. This research addresses computer translation between signing and speech, investigating sign duration in sentence context versus in isolation and identifying kinematic sign markers. To date, there has been little study of continuous signing kinematics; it was previously unknown if kinematic markers existed.

Kinematic data were collected from a proficient signer …

Exploring Visual Expressions To Articulate Thoughts On Human Existence, Mieko Tachibana

Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to broaden my thoughts on human existence and identity in nature and the universe. It is also to explore the varied visual expressions of my thoughts, feelings, and ways to engage the audiences. ... I tried to experiment with various possible visualizations of my thoughts and feelings through four different installations. Video and installation 1 is about the existence of human beings. In Installation 1, I limited my personal visual images, and instead used language to convey my thoughts. Installation 2 is about the relationship between human beings and nature, and is expressed through …

Learning Environments : Redefining The Discourse On School Architecture, Alessandro Degregori

Theses

The thesis maintains that the physical environment of the school is only one component, although an important one, of learning environments suitable for learner-centered, consiructivist approaches to learning. Accordingly, school architecture should relate to both, the physical as well as the social environmental contexts. This perspective could invite educators and architects to participate in a collaborative discourse for realizing most effective and sustainable learning environments, one school at a time.

In search of learning factors, factors that could influence learning and engage educators and architects in a collaborative discourse, the study addresses the following: a) A review of literature …

In Tension, Alicia Ross

Theses

The conceptual subject matter of in_tension falls between two major categories: the personification of two conflicting female roles (the need to be a nurturer and the longing to be an object of sexual desire) and the amalgamation of biological and societal foundations in which we see ourselves and others. These two major categories are more principally bound by the larger schema of relations between the sexes and the molding of our desires through social conventions. My artwork tends to explore the conflict many women encounter—including myself—of which roles they wish to partake and the friction between the voyeur or the …

The Impact Of Changing Demographics On Mature Industries, Paul Culloty

Theses

The research plan is to conduct a qualitative questionnaire in order to determine the impact of changing demographics on the Irish telecommunications industry in general, and Eircom marketing strategy in particular. The resulting consumer behaviour analysis will assist in gauging respondent acceptance and utilisation of technology, brand selection and loyalty and effectiveness of corporate marketing strategy as measured by customer acquisition and increased revenue.

An Image Processing Technique For The Improvement Of Sign2 Using A Dual Camera Approach, Kanthi Sarella

Theses

A non-intrusive translation system to transform American Sign Language to digital text forms the pivotal point of discussion in the following thesis. With so many techniques which are being introduced for the same purpose in the present technological arena, this study lays claim to that relatively less trodden path of developing an unobtrusive, user-friendly and straightforward solution. The phase 1 of the Sign2 Project dealt with a single camera approach to achieve the same end of creating a translation system and my present investigation endeavors to develop a solution to improve the accuracy of results employing the methodology pursued in …

Assessing Executive Functioning In Children With A Hearing Loss, Elizabeth Oberg

Theses

This study examined a variety of executive functioning assessment methods with a group of deaf children. The relationship between parent/teacher reports of 22 deaf and hard of hearing students' executive functioning, students' performance on cognitive tests and students' performance on selected achievement domains was studied. The findings showed significant positive correlations (p<.01) between the parent/teacher Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) on six of the eight clinical scales. Secondly, there were significantly positive correlations between the parent/teacher BRIEF reports and the students' scores on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, the (Children's) Color Trails Test and the Woodcock- Johnson: Writing Fluency subtest. Lastly the importance of considering etiology when assessing deaf children was examined. Students with genetic deafness were rated as significantly different (p<.05) on BRIEF scales and performed significantly different on select student measures than students with other causes of deafness.

Seating For Communicating, Myung Taek Jung

Theses

Not listed.

Reading First Teachers' Knowledge Of English Phonology And Attitudes Toward Reading Instruction, Courtney Richmond

Theses

The Reading First grant requires teachers to go through professional development and education about reading instruction to improve their teaching methods. The purpose of this study is to determine whether teachers' knowledge of the English language and their attitudes toward explicit reading instruction improved after working in schools that received the Reading First grant. Seventy-six teachers from four schools that received the Reading First grant were surveyed to determine their knowledge of English phonology and attitudes toward explicit and implicit reading instruction. Reading First teachers had more knowledge of English phonology than other teachers, but did not differ in their …