Topics: Immersive Learning, College of Applied Sciences and Technology, College of Sciences and Humanities

April 18, 2012

Four new immersive learning seminars at Ball State's Virginia B. Ball Center for Creative Inquiry will examine automobile history, mobile applications to teach science, animal issues and reducing prejudice through animated videos.

Leading the seminar are four new Virginia Ball Center fellows for the 2012-13 academic year:

  • Hans Kellogg, assistant professor of technology
  • Jason Ribblett, assistant professor of chemistry
  • Merrielle Turnbull, assistant professor of English
  • Mary Kite, professor of psychological science

Fall 2012

  • Innovative Engineering, Rolling Sculpture: Auburn, Cord and Duesenberg Automobiles — Hans Kellogg and his students will investigate how the people and machines of Auburn, Ind., helped redefine the automobile industry of the early 20th century. The seminar will work with its community partner, Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, and other historical organizations in the state to produce and showcase a documentary film of these three automobiles. The film will reveal how Auburn created these innovations.
  • Teaching Science Using Interactive Apps — Jason Ribblett and his students will work with Apple's mobile operating system, iOS, to research and design a series of animated applications that will teach children about the basic principles of chemistry. The seminar will work with students in Burris Laboratory School to determine the educational effectiveness of these applications.

Spring 2013

  • Comforting Creatures: The Role of Animal Welfare Agencies in Their Communities — Merrielle Turnbull and her students will research the major issues of animal abuse, animal neglect and responsible pet ownership in Muncie and other Hoosier communities. The seminar will work with television producers to develop a documentary for its community partners, Animal Rescue Fund and the Muncie Animal Shelter. Comforting Creatures will also produce print educational material for schools suitable for various age groups.
  • Breaking the Prejudice Habit — Mary Kite and her students will study the problems of stereotyping to create a series of animated videos that will illustrate how to reduce prejudice. The seminar will interview victims of prejudice plus activists working to eradicate the problem and examine recent social science research. Breaking the Prejudice Habit will consult with community partners, including the Diversity Committee of the Society for Teaching Psychology, Social Psychology Network and CatalystLead Group to determine if their presentations are accurate and effective.

For more information, visit the Virginia Ball Center's website www.bsu.edu/vbc, or call 765-287-0117.

By Mallory Sturgeon