CIRT Mini-Grants for Faculty

SPRING 2010 Recipients

 

Julie Dixon (PI) and Michael jackson (Co-PI), Theater Department

This project will utilize emerging computer video and projection technologies in tandem with live theatrical performance. Through the lens of the play Real Girls Can’t Win, the project will examine the effectiveness of combining technology and performance to create a new mode of theatrical storytelling employed to reach a contemporary college audience. This project requires the use of a Mac mini, an HD camcorder, a portable lighting package, and a stereo/video microphone which will be used to create a portable media center to create the digital storytelling employed in the play, including live digital interaction between performer and hardware/software onstage, location video filming, and video segments to be used in an extensive viral marketing campaign to publicize the production.

Dr. Elizabeth O'Laughlin, Psychology Department

The objective of the present study is to determine the effects of daily ambulation, accumulating ≥10,000 steps/day, on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in 40 overweight and obese, sedentary, middle-aged women. With the help of students, we will assess height, weight, waist and hip circumferences, body composition, blood pressure, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), heart rate and autonomic modulation before and after a 12-week daily walking intervention monitored through the use of pedometers. Not only will this study improve the quality of life for individuals in the community, it will also teach students how to improve their 1) communication skills with a variety of personalities, 2) knowledge, skills and abilities in exercise science, 3) ability to interpret and present research data.

Dr. Matt Gage, Department of Athletic Training

Muscle activation of 8 lower extremity/trunk muscles will be compared during two types of single-leg drop landings. Subjects will perform single-leg drop landings with and without abdominal hollowing. Abdominal hollowing is a technique commonly used to activate the transverse abdominis.1 The transverse abdominis is one of the primary stabilizers of the lumbo-pelvic region of the body.2 Performing abdominal hollowing has demonstrated increased muscle activation down the kinetic chain during a prone single-leg lift.3 It remains unknown at this time how performing abdominal hollowing during a dynamic task may affect distal muscle activation. This study will determine what effect performing abdominal hollowing during single-leg drop landing has on lower extremity/trunk muscle activation.

Dr. Feng-Qi Lai, Department of Curriculum, Instruction and Media Technology

CIMT 640 is an introductory course to Educational Technology that is offered in spring. In this course, there are two community engagement and experiential learning activities. One activity is designed for students to gather pilot information from local school teachers and administrators for a math learning system -- Adaptive Mathematics Tutoring and Assessment System (AMTAS). Data gathered will support external grant proposal writing. The other activity is for students to attend an educational technology showcase sponsored by Purdue University. Students’ learning of educational technology is expected to be enhanced through these two community engagement and experiential learning activities.

Dr. Yasenka Peterson, Department of Health, safety, and environmental health sciences

With the increasing health care cost, it is important to find effective programs to promote health. Indiana State University is no different than other worksites regarding health care cost increases. We would like to find strategies to promote healthy lifestyles while decreasing health care cost. The use of Bodybugg has been show to be effective in increasing program participants’ success rate at increasing physical activity level and weight management. However the cost of these Bodybuggs is prohibitive to use with a large number of participants ($249). This study proposes to compare the effectiveness of using the Bodybugg and the Philips DirectLife pedometer ($(109) in promoting health. The following measures will be used to assess participants’ health: blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol, weight, and BMI. Half the participants will use the bodybug and half will use the DirectLife pedometer.

Dr. Anthony Rathburn, Department of Earth and Environmental System

Innovative touch screen technology is requested to improve the technology, appearance, and functionality of an interactive display that will link ISU students and faculty conducting cutting-edge field research with campus.By enabling students and visitors to ask questions and follow expedition progress through real-time blogs and web sites, touch-screen technology would significantly improve the function, appearance, ease of use, and capabilities of an exciting, novel means of bringing experiential learning activities in real-time to ISU.We have 60% of the budget, but not enough to enable us to incorporate the most appropriate and up-to-date technology for this unique educational/outreach facility that will promote experiential learning, enhance community engagement, and increase student and community awareness of exciting ISU field science.

Dr. Jim Speer, Department of Science Education - GGA

This grant will purchase equipment that will be used for Introduction to Environmental Science (Geo 110), Soil Genesis and Classification (Geol 418), and Conservation and Sustainability (Geo 411) science classes. Students will use technology to capture and share student experiential learning and civic engagement as they work with the Riverscape and Wabashiki projects. The riverscape and Wabashiki plans are directed to the creation of protected natural habitats, which are interwoven with urban commercial developments- the common thread being the Wabash River. Through technology students will share their learning via class sessions, presentations, poster walks, and the SENCER website with ISU and the SENCER national team.

Dr. Sala Wong, Department of Electronics & Computer Engineering Technology

This proposal is to build upon the success of my initiative to encourage student-produced media-based public art projects (funded by an ISU Mini IT Grant in 2007.) System consists of laptops (configured for multimedia) and digital projectors – allowing students to create expanded cinema and installation-based art outside the classroom, within alternative spaces and the city of Terre Haute. Projects have provided valuable experiential learning for students, working with local businesses, galleries, and non-profit organizations. Student interest is high, and demand for equipment is growing. In addition, projects have become more complex. The Expansion of the Mobile Projection System will permit works on a larger scale and allow us to reach greater audiences.