iVoice's Media Lab and Research

Overview

Over the course of 2 academic school years, I participated the transformative iVoices project at the University of Arizona, where we emphasized sharing student perspectives on technologies. Commencing in 2020, the project, guided by Diana Daly, delved into the intricate dynamics between social media and humans. The Winter 2022 Edition of the book "Humans R Social Media," developed by Daly, utilized plain language and integrated student contributions to elucidate the reciprocal influence between humans and social media.

In the initial two years, iVoices evolved from a student-centric think tank and digital media lab, transforming the Social Media and Ourselves course into a dynamic learning experience. Achievements included the creation of the podcast series "Social Media & Ourselves" and the open textbook "Humans R Social Media," adopted by faculty across the Americas.

Emphasizing open pedagogy, iVoices actively engaged in the creation of openly licensed media content, comprising over 1,000 pieces, reflecting students' diverse experiences with technology. The project expanded its public presence through a dedicated website and contributed to scholarly discourse with eight papers and active participation in academic discussions.

In the final semester, iVoices conducted qualitative and quantitative research, including interviews, to gauge the program's impact on students. This comprehensive assessment aimed to capture the tangible outcomes and benefits that students derived from their participation in the project. The research findings will further contribute to our understanding of the transformative potential of open pedagogy in shaping educational experiences and fostering student engagement. iVoices remains committed to innovative research, with ongoing projects in development, underscoring the enduring impact of this dynamic initiative on both students and the broader academic community.

My Role

Fall 2021 - As a media lab worker during this semester, I played a pivotal role in supporting students in the ESOC150 class by assisting them in utilizing various technologies such as GIMP, Adobe Animate, and Adobe Express. This period was immensely fulfilling as it afforded me the opportunity to deepen my expertise in these technologies while empowering students to enhance their own skills and knowledge.

Spring 2022 and Fall 2022 - During these semesters, my engagement with students extended beyond the media lab. I actively participated in class discussions, fostering conversations about their experiences with different technologies. Additionally, I undertook an analysis of students' use of text in online discussion posts, aiming to identify recurring themes that illuminated their diverse experiences with technologies.

Spring 2023 - In this semester, I took part in comprehensive qualitative and quantitative research. Our team designed surveys and conducted interviews to gain insights into the profound impact of iVoices on students' experiences, both academically and personally. This assessment aimed to capture the tangible benefits students derived from participating in the project, allowing them to share their unique stories. The research outcomes contributed to a deeper understanding of the transformative nature of iVoices, emphasizing its role in providing students with a platform to express themselves and fostering a sense of community through shared experiences.