Communication Commons^™

2020 Usf Open Educational Resources Grant Report, Allison R. Thorson

USF OER Faculty Grant Projects

Please find attached my final report from my $1000 2020 USF Open Educational Resources (OER) Grant. Although COVID-19 delayed the submission of this report, the global pandemic has also made open access materials even more essential to supporting student’s access at USF. I am appreciative of the funding to facilitate this project.

Throughout this process, I was able to ensure that the materials/readings I was offering to students for free did not violate copyright laws and open my eyes to resources that I did not know were available. Based on the findings of my analysis, my course readings have been …

A Word From The Writing Center (February 2022), Pam Walter, Mfa, Liz Declan, Ma, Mfa

A Word From the Writing Team (Newsletter)

This issue includes:

• Introduction to Liz Declan
• Upcoming Workshops
• Quick Tip: When to Use Semicolons

Development Of Instrument To Assess Influence Of Extension Conference On Intended Outcomes, Marina D. Denny, Martha A. Ellard

Journal of Extension

The Annual Conference for Mississippi State University Extension is the sole event at which the majority of Extension personnel gather for networking, organizational updates, recognition of efforts, and professional development. Extension leaders plan this conference with intended outcomes but without ever evaluating those outcomes beyond attendee satisfaction. We developed an evaluation instrument to determine how certain conference events influence participants’ critical psychological states and ultimately, their perceived motivation, professional enrichment, opportunities for networking, professional accountability, and organizational awareness. Rather than simply assessing attendee satisfaction, this instrument may help inform planning for successive Extension conferences and other professional development events.

Wikipedia As An Experiential Learning Activity In Media Courses, Melony Shemberger

Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity

Many internet users often consult Wikipedia to read a quick reference on a subject, but the source tends to be viewed as unreliable by the academic community. Nevertheless, journalism and public relations courses can help improve Wikipedia. Four undergraduate courses — News Editing, In-depth Reporting, Sports Media, and Research Methods in Public Relations — in a journalism and mass communications department at a regional, four-year university in the southeast of the United States incorporated Wikipedia. This article discusses the benefits, considerations, and challenges that an instructor might experience when using Wikipedia.

Graduate Record 2022, Southwestern Oklahoma State University

SWOSU Yearbooks

The 2021-22 Graduate Record is produced annually by the Specialized Publications class in the Arts, Communication, and Theatre Department at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. This year the publication will be available digitally through the university’s Digital Commons and in print through Amazon.com. The change allows the staff to complete the full year of activities at SWOSU, including the end of the regular sports seasons and commencement.

The (Millennial) Times, They Are A’Changin’: Understanding Gen Z’S Expectations In The Classroom, Hayley C. Hoffman

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

Drawing from over a decade of research, it can be said with relative certainty what millennial learners expected of their instructors when they were in the college classroom. But what about the expectations and needs of our current group of students, Generation Z? Because few studies exist on Gen Z in higher education spaces, this dissertation establishes a baseline of what these students might need and expect from market and generational research on this group of students and establishes expectancy violations theory as a sound theoretical base for instructional research. This dissertation’s longitudinal, two-phase study, then, seeks to determine Gen …

Best Practices Of Teaching Public Speaking Online, Sally Dufner

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Teaching public speaking online has been highly contested by communication studies instructors. The need for having a live audience has been a staple in public speaking from its inception. The COVID 19 pandemic forced many reluctant public speaking faculty members to teach this pivotal course online. Communication studies departments were required to examine their stance of offering it online or not. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to answer the following three questions: (1) Is there validity in teaching public speaking online? (2) What are best practices in teaching public speaking courses online? and (3) How do best …

’Make It More Fun’: Residence Life Employees’ Insights On Hosting And Advertising Outreach Programs For Undergraduate Students, Kristen S. Shuyler

Faculty Scholarship

What can library workers learn about student-centered programming and outreach from student employees who design, advertise, and lead programs for college students as part of their employment in a student housing or residence life department? This study draws on cognitive work analysis to understand how employees of the Office of Residence Life (ORL) at a public research university host outreach programs for students. Fourteen interviews were conducted and analyzed to ascertain the definition and purpose of RA-led programming, challenges in this work, and strategies for overcoming challenges. Findings indicate that as these student employees do their programming work, they build …

The Writing’S On The Wall: Using Multimedia Presentation Principles From The Museum World To Improve Law School Pedagogy, Cecilia A. Silver

Dickinson Law Review (2017-Present)

Law school pedagogy is a relic. Nearly 150 years after Christopher Langdell pioneered the case method, the typical doctrinal course remains predominantly a verbal domain, featuring lectures, Socratic dialogue, and final exams. But the visual disconnect between legal education and legal practice does students a disservice. Under the proliferating influence of laptops, iPads, smartphones, and Zoom, students now read, work, and study electronically more than they ever have before. So instead of business as usual, it’s time to embrace “visualization”—using multimedia to enhance, or even supplant, the near-exclusive reliance on language—to build a more vibrant and inclusive learning environment.

Law …

Presidential Rhetoric In Times Of Health Crises: From President Eisenhower To President Trump, Abbi Murphy, Justin Kirk

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Three major health crises in American history include the polio epidemic in the 1950s, the Ebola crisis in 2014, and the coronavirus in 2020. Each of these viruses evolved under a different President, from President Eisenhower to President Obama to President Trump. Each of these presidents spoke to the people on their respective crisis, and here I examine speeches, addresses, and social media posts in order to examine the rhetorical strategies that each President utilized. Each of them had a similar goal in mind, to eradicate the disease and quell the public’s fears. However, they all had advantages and disadvantages …

The Influence Of Institutional Social Media And College Students' Choice, Anna Fishbein

Masters Theses

Social media has become a way of personal communication as well as a way for brands and businesses to connect with consumers. In the past twenty years, the expansion of technology into everyday life has impacted the way we interact and communication. There is a lack of information surrounding how social media is influencing prospective students’ college choice. There are studies focused on student college choice, and studies focused on how social media impacts consumers, but there is limited research focused on bridging the two concepts. This quantitative study utilized a causal-comparative survey to explore the influence of institutional social …

A Secondary Data Analysis Exploring The Impacts Of Synchronous And Asynchronous Sexual Assault Bystander Intervention Training: A Pilot Study, Jacquelyn A. Mesenbrink

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Campus sexual assault has been recognized as one of the most pressing issues on college campuses and an epidemic across the U.S. The purpose of this study is to explore perceived prosocial behavior change of one bystander intervention training in two different modalities: synchronous virtual via Zoom and asynchronous online training via a learning management system (LMS). To date, there is no research study that evaluates the same bystander intervention program across different intervention delivery modalities. This research is the first of its kind to examine the relationship between intervention delivery modality and post-evaluation questions and serves as a pilot …

Attitudes About Cybersecurity Articulation Agreements And Transfer Students: A Statewide Survey Of Faculty Members And Advisors, Brian K. Payne, Tracy Vandecar-Burdin, Daniela Cigularova

Sociology & Criminal Justice Faculty Publications

In this study, cybersecurity faculty and academic advisors from community colleges and 4-year universities in the southeast region of the United States completed a survey assessing attitudes about and support for articulation agreements and related transfer policies. Hypothesizing that professional structures shape attitudes and experiences, the researchers conducted an exploratory quantitative study with primarily descriptive analyses. The results reveal differences in attitudes between community college and 4-year stakeholders and between faculty and academic advisors. The results of this study are discussed in relation to faculty and advisor training and communication.

Engaged Social Media In Higher Education While Avoiding The Label Of "Striving", Jessica Nerren

Journal of Critical Issues in Educational Practice

Striving has become a word laden with problematic meanings in the world of higher education. For instance, if a university is too aligned with business, or becomes overly selective, or deviates from original purpose or mission, then, at times, those actions are seen as striving (O’Meara, 2007). O’Meara (2007) defines striving as participation in efforts to improve status and prestige in line with the hierarchy. Allen (2021) echoes the problematic nature of this practice witnessed abroad, equating striving educational practices with neoliberalism, potentially overshadowing primary purposes of the institution, such as learning and teaching, or drowning out important parts of …

Chimes: December 6, 2021, Calvin University

Chimes

Commons Union still needs $45.5 million to get off the ground by Jocelyn Nunez Colon & Hadassa Ribeiro

Calvin's progress on carbon neutrality, sustainability murky during pandemic by Sarah Gibes

Veteran student orgs return, Student Senate proposes solution to CIL budget cut by Grace Toma

Calvin brings CPI housing plan to concerned neighborhood by Jocelyn Nunez-Colon

With no interim this year, January Series 2022 continues to adapt by Abigail Ham

Tough early-season schedules have women's, men's basketball teams making strides by Jamison Van Andel

Art professors show work in joint exhibitions at the Center Art Gallery by Ezra Craker

In …

A Word From The Writing Team (December 2021), Pam Walter, Mfa

A Word From the Writing Team (Newsletter)

This issue includes:

• New Writing Specialist, Liz Declan
• Saying Farewell to Jen Wilson
• Coming Soon -- Find the Time: Time Management

Welcoming Families With Children To Csusb: Making An Intergenerational Difference, Leslie Leach

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Coming back to school after a gap in your education can be a daunting task. For students with children (SWC), the undertaking has different challenges than their classmates. Providing resources geared towards their success plays a significant role in the student's ability to complete their education. It also allows the SWC to feel a sense of belonging within their institution of higher learning. This project analyzes other California State Universities' family housing programs to advocate a similar program at California State University, San Bernardino. Using the Communication Theory of Identity (CTI) and Organizational Identity (OI), I can illustrate how resources …

Covid-19 Masks In Terms Of Functional, Expressive, And Aesthetic Consumer Needs, Lily Highley

Apparel Merchandising and Product Development Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to assess consumers' perspectives of COVID-19 masks under the functional, expressive, and aesthetic areas. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, masks have become an “accessory” to everyday life, and it was essential to research masks under these unique areas and explore consumer perceptions.

This study took place after background research on the topic and the FEA model. The study included a survey sent to Bumpers College students upon approval from the IRB. The data was analyzed and interpreted specifically in the FEA areas and can be useful to better understand the students at the University …

Symbolism Or Substance: Factors Influencing Campus Messaging Decisions And Their Alignment With Institutional Values, Laura Herzog Jacobs

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Historically, institutions of higher education (IHE) have been cautious and slow in making changes. Yet in today’s fast-paced and dynamic world of content availability and information flow generated by 24-hour news cycles and the ubiquity of social media present a challenging reality for colleges and universities in their public relations and communications approaches (Sands & Smith, 2000). Creating a harmonious and agile approach to managing these responsibilities against the backdrop of an incessant flow and public demand for information, including responses to national events often with seemingly little or no connection to the institution, suggested a need to examine the …

A Uniquely Jesuit Approach To Engagement Through Social Media, Karl F. Kozlowski, Shawn M. O'Rourke

Jesuit Higher Education: A Journal

Social media is a relevant and powerful instrument of communication in higher education, especially in the college age population. The use of social media in and out of the classroom on the college campus allows faculty to meet students where they are. Content shared by faculty on social media is a means to continue to educate our students and alumni outside of the classroom and build relationships regardless of geographic boundaries. Through the use of social media platforms, we can also continue to relay and demonstrate our Jesuit ideals. This engagement can help build a relationship between faculty and students …

Chimes: November 15, 2021, Calvin University

Chimes

We're committed to uncertainty' by Harm Venhuizen

As crime rates soar, Calvin graduate continues Haiti mission by Michaela Giovannelli

Gone phishing: CIT launches internal phishing campaign by Jocelyn Nunez-Colon

Students work to return revival event to campus by Abigail Ham

Calvin alum takes environmental vision to UN climate conference by Tim Lin

Dance Guild celebrates 50th anniversary, survives COVID and cuts by Isaiah Tenhuisen

High schools with Calvin ties win soccer state titles by Jamison Van Andel

Planting sequoias: Calvin's trees provide clues to the past, hope for the future by Sarah Gibes

Chimes: November 8, 2021, Calvin University

Chimes

What have we lost? by Timothy Lin

JV soccer makes the most of five-game season by Jamison Van Andel

Calvin Prison Initiative reconnects after season of remote learning by Grace Toma

Christians, climate change and the church: Calvin staff reflect on environmental stewardship by Kipp De Man

Labor and supply chain challenges cause catering limitations by Isaiah Tenhuisen

Calvin alum founds non-profit for transracial foster care adoptees, global partnership by Hadassa Ribeiro

Non-traditional STEM students bring life experience to class by Sarah Gibes

Artist Collaborative gets an update by Ezra Craker

The Virtualization Of Schooling During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Jared Brown, Kaila Folk, Jenna Swerdlow

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

Schooling is driven by economic, political, societal, and cynical inclinations. Education has no rest, and it is continuous, even outside of the classroom. One thing that interconnects these terms together is a narrative. The narrative gives meaning to the world and exerts an end goal of success and happiness. Yet, the only way to reach this shared goal is through intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships. Undoubtedly, the technological landscape in the 21st century is robust and evolving. When a natural force beyond human control corrupts every aspect of society, such as a pandemic, these technologies are relied upon for human interaction. …

Chimes: November 1, 2021, Calvin University

Chimes

Sociology department launches criminology major by Jocelyn Nunez-Colon

As RCA congregations consider splitting, they do so with grace by Isaiah Tenhuisen

How Calvin's parking stacks up to the competition by Abigail Ham

Class registration and academic planning are about to get a major facelift by Lauren Vanden Bosch

Art history professor curates newsletter with global audience by Grace Toma

Sports analogies in political science: Slam dunk or strikeout? by Isaiah Tenhuisen

Health Services to offer COVID-19 booster shots on campus by Sarah Gibes

Halloween at Calvin: From 1958 riots to 2021 rollerblade parties by Timothy Lin

This land has a …

Chimes: October 25, 2021, Calvin University

Chimes

Calvin's COVID dashboard doesn't follow standard epidemiological practices by Sarah Gibes

The precarious world of booking SAO concerts by Ezra Craker

Shuttered by supply-chain issues, RVD now fit for occupancy by Abigail Ham

Enrollment, Synod 2022 and morale top agenda items in new presidential position profile by Abigail Ham

Calvin students reflect on upcoming Kentwood general election by Jocelyn Nunez-Colon

Let's talk about sex by Michaela Giovannelli

Service Learning Center kicks back into gear with new partnership system by Lauren Vanden Bosch

Calvin student draws international recognition through ping-pong by Grace Toma

From stars to cells, Calvin students showcase summer …

Chimes: October 18, 2021, Calvin University

Chimes

To avoid cutting budgets, CIL won't charter more student orgs this year by Grace Toma

'Luminous' tells of Calvin astronomer's risky prediction by Ezra Craker

Visa delays kept 20+ students from campus this fall by Abigail Ham

CISD mobilizes to combat food insecurity by Jocelyn Nunez-Colon

Calvin Left tells Arkansas senator to hit the road by Jocelyn Nunez-Colon & Savannah Shustack

Seven students and countless cameras: Streaming Calvin sports by Jamison Van Andel

Homeowners want to install solar panels. Consumers Energy obstructs them. by Sarah Gibes

A Professing Parent's Reflection On The Covid Classroom And Research Illustrates The Full Utility Of Communication Pedagogy, Robin S. Mathis

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

This essay uses an ethnonarrative method to illustrate why and how to communicate compassion in the K–12, college, and workplace classroom during a pandemic. Reflecting on my experiences as a parent and professor, my students’ journal entries March–May 2020, and field research notes, I conclude that the feeling of powerlessness in the classroom and compassion within the organization creates an innovative ethnonarrative research opportunity for the Journal of Communication Pedagogy reader. Ultimately, my reflection as a parent and professor emphasized the value of communication pedagogy. Ultimately, I argue that practitioners in traditional classrooms, as well as the workplace, can advance …

Lessons From The Pandemic: Engaging Wicked Problems With Transdisciplinary Deliberation, Miles C. Coleman, Susana C. Santos, Joy M. Cypher, Claude Krummenacher, Robert Fleming

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

Some crises, such as those brought on or exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, are wicked problems—large, complex problems with no immediate answer. As such, they make rich centerpieces for learning with respect to public deliberation and issue-based dialogue. This essay reflects on an experimental, transdisciplinary health and science communication course entitled Comprehending COVID-19. The course represents a collaborative effort among 14 faculty representing 10 different academic departments to create a resource for teaching students how to deliberate the pandemic, despite its attending, oversaturated, fake-news-infused, infodemic. We offer transdisciplinary deliberation as a pedagogical framework to expand communication repertoires in ways useful …

Encouraging College Student Democratic Engagement Through A Collaborative Voter, Angela M. Mcgowan-Kirsch

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

Drawing on challenges I experienced when teaching a political communication course, I designed an upper-level undergraduate course with the objective of developing students’ civic competence and democratic engagement. The major class assignment, which is the focal point of this best practices essay, was a four-step collaborative voter mobilization project designed and executed by undergraduate students. I use research, classroom conversations, and student observations to discuss four best practices for encouraging students to participate in electoral politics: (a) fostering political efficacy, (b) peer-to-peer learning, (c) experiential learning, and (d) learning through reflection. This essay breaks a four-step collaborative voting mobilization project …

Toward An Invitational Andragogy: Articulating A Teaching Philosophy For The Andragogic Classroom, Whitney Tipton, Stephanie Wideman

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

Students older than 25 years are a growing population on our campuses. However, separating these students and labeling them as “nontraditional” further isolates them from campuses that are already geared toward younger learners. This reflective essay explains the need for a philosophy of invitational andragogy—a classroom approach rooted in invitational rhetoric (S. Foss & Griffin, 1995) and Knowles’s assumptions about older learners (1980, 1984). While inviting transformation is important in all classrooms, it is especially important for older learners who often feel separated from the campus at large. To explain how an invitational approach to the andragogic classroom can be …