2024 SRSU Student Symposium – Virtual Presentation Schedule
Thursday, April 11th, 2024
Click on a Session Time (left row of the schedule below) to jump down the page and view the Presentation Abstracts, Presenter Videos, & Session Recordings for that Session Time.
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SRSU Virtual Symposium Spotlight Event: Welcome and Keynote Introduction – Dr. Laura Payne |
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| Session Time |
Virtual Room A | Virtual Room B | ||
| 1:00-1:20 | Presenter: Alicia Davis Moderator: Dr. Jennifer Miller-Ray (Education) Title: “Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on a Rural Hispanic Institution located on the Texas Mexico Border” (start: 1pm) CLICK HERE TO ATTEND SESSION |
Extended Time: 1:00pm-1:50pm Team Presenters: Marley Rokas, Caitlyn Peña, Luis Duran, Dawson Beard Moderator: Dr. Jessica Velasco (Political Science) Title: “Elect Her: Ideas for Increasing Women’s Representation in Government” (start: 1pm) CLICK HERE TO ATTEND SESSION |
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| Presenter: Eloisa Flores Moderator: Dr. Jennifer Miller-Ray (Education) Title: “Leveraging Educational Technology to Assist Emergent Bilingual Students in K-12 Schools on the Texas-Mexico Border” (start: 1:30pm) CLICK HERE TO ATTEND SESSION |
1pm Session Continues | |||
| 2:00-2:20 | Presenter: Hugo Flores Moderator: Benjamin Barrientes (Criminal Justice) Title: “Border Security and Human Trafficking” (start: 2pm) CLICK HERE TO ATTEND SESSION |
Team Presenters: Uriel Galindo, Zenaida Rodriguez Moderator: Dr. Joseph Velasco (Communication) Title: “Eagle Pass Business Incubator” & “Dump Apple” (start: 2pm) CLICK HERE TO ATTEND SESSION |
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| 2:30-2:50 | Presenter: Maria Tellez-Vazquez Moderator: Dr. Melissa Wesney (Education) Title: “Online Learning: A Study on the Effectiveness of Remote Dual Enrollment in Rural Locations” (start: 2:30pm) CLICK HERE TO ATTEND SESSION |
Presenters: Zenaida Rodriguez Moderator: Dr. Joseph Velasco (Communication) Title: “‘Can You Hear Me Now?’: How Different Styles of Communication Generate Various Outcomes in the Workplace” (start: 2:30pm) CANCELLED |
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| 3:00-3:20 |
Extended Time: 3:00pm-3:50pm Team Presenters: Autumn McFadden, Brooke Manuel, Robin Alvarez Moderator: Robin Alvarez (Literature) Title: “English, Sigma Tau Delta – Alpha Zeta Chapter” (start: 3pm) CANCELLED |
Team Presenters: Carissa Chambers Moderator: Dr. Jessica Velasco (Geology) Title: “Structural Geology of the Lower Canyons, Texas” (start: 3pm) CLICK HERE TO ATTEND SESSION |
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| 3:30-3:50 | 3pm Session Continued (CANCELLED) |
Presenter:David Brown Moderator: Dr. Jessica Velasco (Social Sciences) Title: “Understanding Teacher Retention in Rural Charter Schools Through the Use of Surveys and Focus Groups“ (start: 3:30pm) CLICK HERE TO ATTEND SESSION |
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| 4:00-4:20 | Extended Time: 4:00pm-4:50pm Team Presenters: Madeline Haas, John Aguero Moderator: Dr. Jennifer Miller-Ray (Education) Title: “Implementing Universal Design for Learning through Artificial Intelligence” (start: 4pm) CLICK HERE TO ATTEND SESSION |
Presenter: Brooke Manuel Moderator: Dr. Alicia Trotman (Journalism) Title: “Swift and Kelce: The New American ‘It’ Couple“ (start: 4pm) CLICK HERE TO ATTEND SESSION |
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| 4:30-4:50 | 4pm Session Continues | Presenter: Brianna Berry Moderator: Dr. Alicia Trotman (Psychology) Title: “How Can Those Behaviors Stymie Maladaptive Eating Amongst College Students?” (start: 4:30pm) CLICK HERE TO ATTEND SESSION |
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| 5:00-5:20 | Presenter: Paola Gutierrez Moderator: Dr. Jennifer Miller-Ray (Education) Title: “Increasing Inclusion and Personalization Through Adaptive Learning and Artificial Intelligence” (start: 5pm) CLICK HERE TO ATTEND SESSION |
Presenter: Ycela Ortiz Moderator: Dr. Alicia Trotman (Literature) Title: “Fallacies of the American Dream: Pragmatic Assimilation of Latinè* and U.S. Migrant Workers within the United States” (start: 5pm) CLICK HERE TO ATTEND SESSION |
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| 5:30-5:50 | No 5:30pm Sessions Scheduled Currently | No 5:30pm Sessions Scheduled Currently | ||
Noon – 12:50pm Symposium Spotlight Event – Welcome and Virtual Symposium Keynote Address
Noon-12:50pm / SRSU Virtual Symposium Spotlight Event
Welcome & Keynote Introduction – Dr. Laura Payne
SRSU Dean of College of Graduate Studies & Online Education
SRSU Dean of Case College of Literature, Arts & Social Sciences (LASS)
Keynote Speaker – Olivia Enriquez
Olivia is a 2018 summa cum laude SRSU alumnus and McNair Scholar who is currently a third-year Ph.D. student at the University of Texas-Austin’s LBJ School of Public Affairs and a research analyst at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIRTUAL KEYNOTE ADDRESS RECORDING
Keynote Bio:
Olivia Enriquez began her post-secondary education at Sul Ross State University, where she majored in geology, graduating in 2018 summa cum laude. During her time at Sul Ross, Olivia was actively involved across campus. She worked at the library and participated in the Geology Club, Texas Baptist Student Ministry, and the McNair Scholar’s Program. As a McNair Scholar, Olivia conducted two studies from 2017-2018 under the mentorship of Dr. Kevin Urbanzyk. Olivia investigated the mineralogical composition of Alamito Creek, a Rio Grande tributary, and the Wax Factory Laccolith, a magma intrusion in Big Bend Ranch State Park. Olivia presented her research at various conferences across the country with the McNair Scholars Program and the Geology Club. Olivia also completed geology field camp in the Big Bend region, spending about five weeks, in her words, “hiking, camping, mapping, and avoiding snakes.”
After completing her baccalaureate degree from Sul Ross, Olivia began her Master’s degree in Environmental Sustainability and Natural Resource Management from Texas Tech University. While taking classes, Olivia worked as an intern for the US Geological Survey in Mounds View, Minnesota, for three months. She then moved back to Texas to teach secondary science for McDade ISD from 2019-2021. For her graduate capstone, Olivia undertook an internship as a sustainability consultant, resulting in a 35-page report detailing ways for the local school district to improve sustainable practices.
Olivia transitioned from secondary education to begin her Ph.D. in Public Policy at the University of Texas at Austin. During this time, Olivia has contributed to the Planet Texas 2050 Initiative and the Austin Area Sustainability Indicators project. Her dissertation uses survey data to investigate the role of education in promoting environmental sustainability in Texas. Olivia’s interdisciplinary research draws from sociology, psychology, and science communication.
Upon completing the residential coursework for the degree, Olivia moved to Houston with her husband, Abraham, a fellow Sul Ross graduate. Olivia is working diligently to complete her dissertation while working remotely for the Coordinating Board. Olivia’s journey has been guided by her love for the planet and passion to make the world a little greener.
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1:00 – 1:20pm Session Presentations – Student Information and Abstracts
1:00-1:20pm / Virtual Room A – Moderator: Dr. Jennifer Miller-Ray
Presenter: Alicia Davis
Moderator: Dr. Jennifer Miller-Ray (Education)
Title: “Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on a Rural Hispanic Institution located on the Texas Mexico Border”
Virtual Presentation: Pre-recorded video presentation with live follow-up – Graduate
Abstract: This study investigates Al’s impact on higher education. AI-powered, tailored learning, intelligent coaching, and automated assessment can improve student success. AI should enhance education, not replace it. Studies show AI is employed in literature searching, author assignment, scientific article authoring, and academic project editing. AI-tailored tutorials help international pupils. AI could improve health education by increasing lab and hands-on work. While AI provides benefits, ethical challenges such student data privacy must be addressed. Teachers need training to use AI tools in the classroom. Technology, social, political, economic, cultural, and ethical issues must be addressed when applying AI in education. The study shows AI maximizes student learning and performance. But Al’s privacy and cultural challenges must be acknowledged. Finally, AI may enhance higher education. AI can personalize learning, advise pupils, and grade them automatically. AI must be used responsibly and wisely to complement teachers, not replace them.
| PRESENTER VIDEO | SESSION RECORDING |
1:00-1:50pm / Virtual Room B – Moderator: Dr. Jessica Velasco
Extended Time: 1:00pm-1:50pm
Team Presenters: Marley Rokas, Caitlyn Peña, Luis Duran, Dawson Beard
Moderator: Dr. Jessica Velasco (Political Science)
Title: “Elect Her: Ideas for Increasing Women’s Representation in Government”
Presentation: Pre-recorded moderated student group (4+) Presentation with live follow-up – Undergraduate
Abstract: Women make up half of the U.S. population. However, we still have not had a female president in the U.S., and women currently hold only 29% of the seats in the U.S. Congress. Why is this? Students in this panel will address this question and offer possible solutions to increase women’s representation in elected office in the United States.
| PRESENTER VIDEO | SESSION RECORDING |
1:30 – 1:50pm Session Presentations – Student Information and Abstracts
1:30-1:50pm / Virtual Room A – Moderator: Dr. Jennifer Miller-Ray
Presenter: Eloisa Flores
Moderator: Dr. Jennifer Miller-Ray (Education)
Title: “Leveraging Educational Technology to Assist Emergent Bilingual Students in K-12 Schools on the Texas-Mexico Border”
Poster/Presentation: Pre-recorded video presentation with live follow-up – Graduate
Abstract: An emergent bilingual student is a student who is in the process of acquiring English and has another language as the primary language. The term emergent bilingual student replaced the term English language learner in the Texas Education Code 29, Subchapter B after the September 1, 2021, update (EMERGENT BILINGUAL STUDENTS IN TEXAS FACT SHEET #1, n.d.). These English language learners (ELLs) in particular face multiple challenges when it comes to their reading, writing, and oral proficiency skills. The growing number of ELLs should make the search for new effective and efficient instructional methods a priority. New technologies have forever changed the way teachers teach, as well as the way students learn.
Incorporating these technologies within their instruction can be highly beneficial for ELLs. This study focuses on leveraging technology to support English language learners. Educational technology has gained substantial attention due to the abundance of new technological tools. These tools are changing the nature of English language instruction, and it is vital to leverage these technologies effectively and efficiently. To adequately address this issue, some crucial factors need to be considered to ensure the success of emergent bilingual students.
| PRESENTER VIDEO | SESSION RECORDING |
1:30-1:50pm / Virtual Room B – Moderator: Dr. Jessica Velasco
Continued 1pm Session.
2:00 – 2:20pm Session Presentations – Student Information and Abstracts
2:00-2:20pm / Virtual Room A – Moderator: Benjamin Barrientes
Presenter: Hugo Flores
Moderator: Benjamin Barrientes (Criminal Justice)
Title: “Border Security and Human Trafficking”
Poster/Presentation: Pre-recorded video presentation with live follow-up – Graduate
Abstract: With border security and subsequent problems regarding the large influx of immigrants coming from South America and all over the world, conflicts between the federal and Texas state governments make it challenging to agree on a compromise; the vast amount of immigrants that are sent to bigger cities (like New York) increasingly make it impossible to keep up as more buses from southern states are being sent north to what they call “sanctuary cities” (which means that migrants are not at risk of deportation). As New York City has laws protecting the right to shelter people, vast movements to those types of destinations increases. The amount of people coming through the southern border of the United States illegally also has grown tremendously, and border security continues to be a significant problem for many years. Many groups feel and claim that the number of illegal groups threaten the lives and the livelihood of workers and even the federal agents working in those areas. Some public opinion/beliefs have called for protests all around the southern border, protesting for harder migratory laws and worried about the potential threats that could come from it.
| PRESENTER VIDEO | SESSION RECORDING |
2:00-2:20pm / Virtual Room B – Moderator: Dr. Joseph Velasco
Team Presenters: Uriel Galindo, Zenaida Rodriguez
Moderator: Dr. Joseph Velasco (Communication)
Title: “Eagle Pass Business Incubator” & “Dump Apple”
Poster/Presentation: 20 minute live session w/Q&A – Undergraduate
Abstract: wo students presenting individual persuasive speeches composed for their Fall 2023 Business & Professional Communication course.
“Eagle Pass Business Incubator” – Zenaida Rodriguez; “Dump Apple” – Uriel Galindo
| PRESENTER VIDEO | SESSION RECORDING |
2:30 – 2:50pm Session Presentations – Student Information and Abstracts
2:30-2:50pm / Virtual Room A – Moderator: Dr. Melissa Wesney
Presenter: Maria Tellez-Vazquez
Moderator: Dr. Melissa Wesney (Education)
Title: “Online Learning: A Study on the Effectiveness of Remote Dual Enrollment in Rural Locations”
Poster/Presentation: Pre-recorded video presentation with live follow-up – Undergraduate
Abstract: The growth and incorporation of dual enrollment programs throughout the United States have been high in numbers. Contributing to secondary education in high school students, these programs have been essential in the acceleration and credits in both high school and college settings. In remote locations, dual enrollment has been established with limited and altered resources for local students. Previous research has provided the important factors attributing to a productive program. Many faculties have organized the management of employees by establishing multiple attributes. Due to the incorporation of leadership, there has been an increase in high school students in dual enrollment programs. However, limitations in rural locations have led to an increase in remote learning. This form of education has been difficult for high school students. In this research, studies are conducted through qualitative and quantitative means to measure the effectiveness of remote education in dual enrollment courses. Data is retrieved from the completed surveys of dual enrollment students, parents, and instructors during the beginning and end of the semester. Their responses provide insight into the expectations of dual enrollment and whether they believe they are prepared for higher education. By the end of this research, both comparisons and analyses are made on the performance of students and the responses of all individuals. With this information, issues and solutions are provided on dual enrollment and implementations of remote courses. Suggestions and alterations will be discussed as a way to improve and provide more resources for high school students in higher education.
| PRESENTER VIDEO | SESSION RECORDING |
2:30-2:50pm / Virtual Room B – Moderator: Dr. Joseph Velasco
Presenters: Zenaida Rodriguez
Moderator: Dr. Joseph Velasco (Communication)
Title: “‘Can You Hear Me Now?’: How Different Styles of Communication Generate Various Outcomes in the Workplace”
Poster/Presentation: Pre-recorded video presentation with live follow-up – Undergraduate
Abstract: This is a gender communication literature review on gender communication in the workplace.
| PRESENTER VIDEO | CANCELLED |
3:00 – 3:50pm Session Presentations – Student Information and Abstracts
3:00-3:50pm / Virtual Room A – Moderator: Robin Alvarez
Extended Time: 3:00pm-3:50pm
Team Presenters: Autumn McFadden, Brooke Manuel, Robin Alvarez
Moderator: Robin Alvarez (Literature)
Title: “English, Sigma Tau Delta – Alpha Zeta Chapter”
Poster/Presentation: Pre-recorded video presentation with live follow-up – Undergraduate
Abstract: The Sigma Tau Delta Centennial Convention, held in St. Louis, Missouri, in 2024, was a landmark event, celebrating a century of literary excellence and scholarship. The Sul Ross chapter (Alpha Zeta) of Sigma Tau Delta, an esteemed honor society for students of English language and literature studies, played a significant role in this historic gathering. Faculty and students from the chapter showcased their academic and creative works, reflecting the breadth and depth of their engagement with English studies at the university level. These presentations, covering a diverse array of topics and themes, not only highlighted the individual talents and insights of the participants but also underscored the collective commitment of the Alpha Zeta chapter to the pursuit of literary and academic excellence.
The Sul Ross chapter will share their experiences and insights from the event with the wider university community to recapitulate their presentations given at the convention, allowing for a broader dissemination of their work and fostering an environment of scholarly dialogue and exchange. This discussion will offer an opportunity for a comprehensive discussion on the conference, including reflections on the centennial celebrations and the future directions of English studies as a discipline.
Through this presentation, the Alpha Zeta chapter will reinforce its commitment to fostering a vibrant community of scholars and practitioners dedicated to the advancement of the literary arts and humanities education.
| PRESENTER VIDEO | CANCELLED |
3:00-3:20pm / Virtual Room B – Moderator: Dr. Jessica Velasco
Presenter: Carissa Chambers
Moderator: Dr. Jessica Velasco (Geology)
Title: “Structural Geology of the Lower Canyons, Texas”
Poster/Presentation: Student group discussion, event or panel (4+) – 45 minutes max w/Q&A – Undergrad /Graduate
Abstract: The Lower Canyons region along the Rio Grande in West Texas exhibits complex geological features that reflect the region’s extensive tectonic history. At the latitude of the Rio Grande, the Lower Canyons are at the eastern edge of recorded North American crustal deformation caused by both the Laramide orogeny and the Basin and Range extension event. Because of its remote location, little field research has been published for the area beyond generalizations of the tectonic history of the region. I intend to use both remote sensing and field geologic data from rocks exposed in the Lower Canyons to conduct a geometric and kinematic analysis to constrain the tectonic history in detail. Orientation of bedding planes and slickenline lineations on exposed fault surfaces, combined with a lineament analysis of trends of faults and fractures using ArcGIS software, will reveal whether obliquely oriented rock deformation was formed during either or both of the tectonic events recorded there. This may reveal a preexisting geometric weakness in the deeper crust that records even older (Precambrian) tectonic events. In addition to illuminating the tectonic evolution of the Lower Canyons, this research combining field observations with GIS analysis aims to provide valuable insights into the 3D subsurface geometry that influences flow and storage of groundwater.
| PRESENTER VIDEO | SESSION RECORDING |
3:30 – 3:50pm Session Presentations – Student Information and Abstracts
3:30-3:50pm / Virtual Room B – Moderator: Dr. Jessica Velasco
Presenter: David Brown
Moderator: Dr. Jessica Velasco (Social Sciences)
Title: “Impact of Live Coaching on Teacher Retention in Rural Charter Schools”
Poster/Presentation: Pre-recorded video presentation with live follow-up – Graduate
Abstract: Today there is a noticeable absence of high-quality teachers in the classroom. The impact on student achievement is pronounced. A number of factors are responsible for this educational epidemic, from low salaries to stressful working conditions. Turnover is a major obstacle to long-term stability, and high turnover often leads to the recruitment of large numbers of inexperienced teachers. This is exacerbated by an exodus of veteran teachers moving from challenging assignments in poorer performing schools to less trying assignments in more affluent areas. Although public and private schools make up the majority of educational institutions in the United States, charter schools continue to grow in popularity. However, both urban and rural charter schools are not immune to the growing demands placed on educators. As a result, many charter schools experience higher rates of teacher turnover compared with public and private schools. The purpose of this study is to understand teacher retention policies utilized by school districts. Furthermore, this research hopes to provide a pathway to retain teachers in rural areas by seeking input from teachers themselves. This research could be used to help engage community members and other stakeholders to improve awareness of teacher retention and the unique concerns facing rural charter schools. This study aims to understand the reasons why teachers leave the classroom or decide to quit the profession altogether. Using an employee satisfaction survey and a lengthy focus group, this research will shed light on the reasons and implications for teacher attrition in rural charter schools.
| PRESENTER VIDEO | SESSION RECORDING |
4:00 – 4:20pm Session Presentations – Student Information and Abstracts
4:00-4:50pm / Virtual Room A – Moderator: Dr. Jennifer Miller-Ray
Team Presenters: Madeline Haas, John Aguero
Moderator: Dr. Jennifer Miller-Ray (Education)
Title: “Implementing Universal Design for Learning through Artificial Intelligence”
Poster/Presentation: Student group discussion, event or panel (4+) – 45 minutes max w/Q&A – Graduate
Abstract: Discovering how AI integrated with the Universal Design for Learning Framework increases engagement through choice, improves representation to foster critical thinking skills, and provides increased opportunities to express understanding through creation tools that incorporate digital literacy. Taking online and hybrid lesson ideas and resources to incorporate in all content areas, participants will be able to analyze AI tools to explain how they could be applied and integrated within a middle school or high school classroom in a parlay discussion board activity.
| PRESENTER VIDEO | SESSION RECORDING |
4:00-4:20pm / Virtual Room B – Moderator: Dr. Alicia Trotman
Presenter: Brooke Manuel
Moderator: Dr. Alicia Trotman (Journalism)
Title: “Swift and Kelce: The New American ‘It’ Couple“
Presentation: Pre-recorded video presentation with live follow-up – Graduate
Abstract: Seventy years ago, movie star, Marilyn Monroe, and baseball icon, Joe DiMaggio, were the ‘it’ couple of American popular culture, although their brief marriage ended in divorce and Monroe’s tragic life ended with a drug overdose. Today, a new ‘it’ couple has America entranced in much the same way as Monroe and DiMaggio: musical superstar, Taylor Swift, and Kansas City Chiefs tight end, Travis Kelce, the ‘bro’ of all bros. In 2024, however, perhaps as a reflection of the realignment in gender dynamics, it’s Swift who grabs the spotlight while Kelce seems content to play a support role in this new American Camelot.
| PRESENTER VIDEO | SESSION RECORDING |
4:30 – 4:50pm Session Presentations – Student Information and Abstracts
4:30-4:50pm / Virtual Room B – Moderator: Dr. Alicia Trotman
Extended Time: 4:00pm-4:50pm
Presenter: Brianna Berry
Moderator: Dr. Alicia Trotman (Psychology)
Title: “How Can Those Behaviors Stymie Maladaptive Eating Amongst College Students?”
Poster/Presentation: Pre-recorded video presentation with live follow-up – Undergraduate
Abstract: Although food is a requirement to sustain all living beings, there is limited research on the impact of college students’ experiences with stressors affecting their eating habits (Harris et al., 2022). College students are under high levels of stress with being away from home, taking harder classes, possibly facing discrimination in a new environment, the financial responsibility of supplying their own meals, and the limited access to healthy food in their environment (Harris et al., 2022). Fifty percent of students reported eating at a fast-food place at least three times a week instead of preparing their own meals (Dingman, Schulz, Wyrick, Bibeau, & Gupta, 2014). Furthermore, everyday discrimination was reported as a stressor for maladaptive and adaptive eating habits (Yoon, et al., 2021). Particularly, the stress students face along with discrimination affects their home food cooking, resulting in possible maladaptive eating behaviors (Harris et el, 2022). Harris et al. (2022) discovered that maladaptive behaviors may stop one from making decisions that are in their best interests, such as dysfunctional eating behaviors shown through skipping meals, eating at fast-food restaurants, emotionally eating, and excess eating of energy portions. This study examined the relationship between college students’ ability to prepare their own meals, the types of food they choose to eat or make, and why they choose those options. Specifically, we hypothesized if a student is an emotional eater and still prepares their food at home, but experiences everyday discrimination, then they will show signs of maladaptive eating behaviors. The number of participants in the study was 51 and there were 39.2% fixed eaters (e.g. ate no vegetables and fermented foods), 41.2% moderately healthy eaters, and 9.8% healthy eaters in this sample. The hypothesis was partly accepted indicating that healthy eaters who scored highly on emotional eating were also positively correlated with external eating (r(51) = .451, p = < .001) and stress (r(46) = .247, p = .05). A positive correlation was also found for fixed eaters and external eating (r(51) = .401, p = .002). When given the opportunity to prepare one’s own food and eat healthily, students are simply choosing not to (Harris et al., 2022). This may be due to these categories of eaters consuming food off campus in a rural area.
| PRESENTER VIDEO | SESSION RECORDING |
5:00 – 5:20pm Session Presentations – Student Information and Abstracts
5:00-5:20pm / Virtual Room A – Moderator: Dr. Jennifer Miller-Ray
Presenter: Paola Gutierrez
Moderator: Dr. Jennifer Miller-Ray (Education)
Title: “Increasing Inclusion and Personalization Through Adaptive Learning and Artificial Intelligence”
Presentation: Pre-recorded video presentation with live follow-up – Graduate
Abstract: Technology is a big part of education throughout many school districts. The use of technology in the classroom keeps increasing post pandemic. Teachers and schools are encouraged to learn and adapt to the rapid change in technological integration. We all have access to many tools online that can help our learning experiences. Artificial intelligence is a growing field of study in computer science that develops and studies intelligent machines. Moreover, AI (Artificial Intelligence) refers to computer systems that can perform tasks commonly associated with human cognitive functions such as interpreting speech, playing games, and finding patterns. AI is present in our everyday lives (robot vacuum cleaners, spell checkers, virtual assistants, etc.) The education system is charged to equip future-ready skills to learners when using AI to help them succeed in today’s digital society. However, how can AI be used to enhance the learning of core subjects by integrating it into the teaching process? In addition, can AI help educators enhance productivity, efficiency, and personalized learning? This purpose of this paper is to explore best practices to improve teacher training and integration of AI into the curriculum to improve inclusion and adaptive learning.
| PRESENTER VIDEO | SESSION RECORDING |
5:00-5:20pm / Virtual Room B – Moderator: Dr. Alicia Trotman
Presenter: Ycela Ortiz
Moderator: Dr. Alicia Trotman (Literature)
Title: “Fallacies of the American Dream: Pragmatic Assimilation of Latinè* and U.S. Migrant Workers within the United States”
Presentation: Pre-recorded video presentation with live follow-up – Graduate
Abstract: The United States is often connected to the enfranchised concept of the “American Dream.” Initially, this aestheticized ideology of the “self-made man” was a beacon for many individuals—i.e., undocumented immigrants, persons of ethnic minority—who migrated into this country. Recent events, such as the current shutdown of Shelby Park, the known hotspot of a state-federal clash of border security, suggest a deep divide between those who consider themselves the superior “ideal American” while subsequently deeming individuals of color (Latinx Americans) and those of illegal status (often migrant workers), inferior. Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi and Dear America, Notes of an Undocumented Citizen by Jose Antonio Vargas focus on pragmatic assimilation and the loss of one’s cultural identity within a supposed post-racial society. Oftentimes, those who are forced into “pragmatic assimilation” do so into the majority culture for survival at the risk of disenfranchisement—the loss of autonomy and agency, surrendering free will and independence for the cultural status quo. The concept of the “American Dream” has been correlated with the “self-made man” for decades. Yet, the American dream of a supposed post-racial society has stripped both Latinè and U.S Naturalized Citizens (who are also migrant workers) of their authentic cultural “self” for the sake of assimilating into the sociopolitical and cultural status quo.
| PRESENTER VIDEO | SESSION RECORDING |