Abstract
This research focuses on the same lesson in three different formats, each affording unique ways of interaction, communication, design, and user experiences: an animation, a web-based interactive version, and a large interactive wall display. The objectives include: visualizing an aspect of science, integrating Cherokee vocabulary related to the topic, and determining the effectiveness of each format. The research is a collaboration with the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians, faculty and staff at Kituwah Academy, located in Cherokee, North Carolina, a faculty member in Biology and an undergraduate research assistant and faculty mentor in Graphic Design, at Western Carolina University (WCU), Cullowhee, NC. Kituwah Academy is a private bilingual Cherokee and English language immersion school for students in kindergarten through sixth grade. The collaboration between Graphic Design at WCU and Kituwah Academy has spanned several years. The objectives have always been to visualize various topics developed by Kituwah faculty and staff, and to promote learning Cherokee language through animations that could be integrated into the curricula at the Academy. However, the effectiveness of the animations, have not been formally assessed and became an area to explore for this researcher. This research, although focused on developing effective learning modules for the Kituwah Academy, is valuable for university design curricula as well. It requires developing new technical skills working with multiple software, expanding skills in design thinking, semiotics, and developing a process for assessment.
Presenters
Mary Anna La FrattaProfessor, School of Art and Design, Western Carolina University, North Carolina, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Visualization, Multimodality, Interactive, Design, Learning, Teaching, Experience, Interdisciplinary
