Expanding Engagment
Prototype Book Multimedia Printed Accessible for People with and without Disability
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Felipe Padilla
This paper discusses the prototype of a printed book which uses new print technologies such as "sensitive inks" to create a relief pattern that gives blind people a sense color, it incorporates augmented reality to show language for the deaf, it has conductive inks to make "touch ink with sound," and it includes Braille typeset font. The book is printed in color to share learning in classrooms. The project uses new Colombian literature for young people and kids. It uses illustrations and typeset font for low vision people, in order to promote the teaching of reading and to aid the teacher to include people with disabilities. The project suggests that kids and young people without disabilities can also learn the language of the deaf and the Braille alphabet as well, in the attempt to implement diversity and acceptance. The prototype for this book consists of a tactile relief pattern printed with "sensitive/tactile" inks. With this relief we will convey the notion of color for visually impaired children participating in the reading activity. In a similar way, this books creates an enriching experience for the hearing impaired with the use of conductive inks. These inks provide sound queues when manipulated, touched. Additionally, the traditional accompaniment of braille will be included. As for literary content, the book will include modern and contemporary Colombian writing aimed at children in school ages. For the less visually impaired, the text will be presented in a typeset developed as adequate to read under their requirements. All accompanying illustrations will also cater for these same requirements. Our over-all goal is to encourage teachers to present fun and stimulating classroom activities for able and disable children alike, and that able-bodied children will learn about life with disabilities through the shared experience. With this project we hope to create a bridge between young people and make learning Braille more mainstream; our long term goal is to contribute our grain of sand towards a more diverse and accepting world, in and out of the classroom.
Aligning Curriculums for College Success: High School and College Library Collaborations
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Carl R. Andrews
In today’s highly competitive global economy, City University of New York (CUNY) graduates need strong critical thinking skills. More New York City students than ever before are applying to college and enrolling in CUNY schools. This is especially the case with high schools throughout the Bronx, as a good portion of these schools are feeder schools for Bronx Community College (BCC). Unfortunately, many of the students who matriculate into BCC come un-prepared for college level work, where information literacy skills are essential. A strong body of published scholarly literature discusses the importance of information literacy instruction at the high school level, as it relates to college readiness. In an ideal secondary education system, students receive instruction on how to think critically, how to evaluate information, and how to avoid plagiarism; these are essential skills that are necessary for college academic success. As the library liaison for the BCC First Year Seminar program, I encounter many students who are in need of academic remediation because they lack research skills. In addition to the lack of information literacy skills, we discovered that a substantial number of students who matriculate into BCC come unprepared for the critical thinking required for college level STEM courses.
Ancient Book Shops in Algeria: The Case Study of Setif
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Boualem Zerouati
This paper deals with the survivance of the ancient book shops in Setif, an eastern Algerian town. We show how the shops provide multiple functions, including places of memories, philosophical cafe, and language learning space. We examine their main components, such as categories of books, shop keepers, clients, locations, and financial status. We explain the causes of their vitality, their impact on society and literacy, and their role in social mingling and the ideal life. In a prospective plan we discuss the future of these cenacles in the Gutenberg and digital galaxy.
The Interactive Self: Defining Re-Education in a Digital World
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session James Pannafino
The digital world affects human interaction and experiences. These experiences lay the groundwork for how we learn. How can educators in humanities re-educate and adapt to changes in the digital world? How much should tools and technology dictate how we teach humans to interact with the digital world? This paper examines the intertwining connection between human experience, technology education, and their placement within humanities education.
