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    Bringing Authors and Actors into the Classroom: A Pedagogical Model for Transformative Learning through Direct Dialogue – Lessons from a Philosophy of Sports Course at a U.S. Liberal Arts College

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    This pedagogical study examines an integrative teaching model observed in a Philosophy of Sports course at a U.S. liberal arts college, where the professor has been inviting guest speakers – Vygotsky’s more knowledgeable other , as described by Abtahi (2017) – such as original authors of assigned book readings (including himself as a scholar-practitioner), historical participants of 1960s social movements, university attorneys and student sports team coaches, to the classroom to engage in unfiltered dialogues with undergraduate students. Through qualitative analysis of classroom observations, student feedback, and comparative assessment of learning outcomes, this paper argues that such living text pedagogy significantly enhances critical thinking, historical empathy, and interdisciplinary synthesis. The study highlights three mechanisms: 1) decentralization of academic authority, 2) embodied historiography, and 3) multi-agent knowledge co-creation. As an EFL teacher from China, the author discusses the practical implications for adapting this teaching model in Chinese EFL contexts later, particularly for courses bridging social learning, critical reading, and academic writing

    Resisting Erasure: Polish Fairy Tales in the Partitions Era

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    This paper explores the role of Polish fairy tales during the Partitions Era (1795-1918) as a form of cultural resistance and a reflection of Polish nationalism. Amidst the oppressive rule of Russia, Polish identity was systematically suppressed. In 1862, Maude Ashurt Biggs translated A.J. Glinksi’s collection of Polish fairy tales, offering a rare glimpse of Polish folklore during a time when national sovereignty had been erased from the map. Through a gothic lens, the fairy tales in this collection, specifically Princess Miranda and Prince Hero and The Eagles, symbolize the struggle for autonomy and the Polish people\u27s enduring resistance against foreign domination. The gothic elements embedded within Princess Miranda and Prince Hero and The Eagles reveal how these fairy tales function as allegories of Polish resistance. In both stories, the central characters are besieged by malevolent forces symbolizing foreign invaders, and their loved ones fall into perilous situations. These narratives echo the paralysis of Polish national spirit and the forced assimilation of Polish people, particularly through Russia\u27s Russification policies. These themes are mirrored through the gothic motifs of enforced dormancy, ensnared protagonists, larger-than-life entities, and the theme of the broken self. By drawing parallels between the fairy tale characters and real-life uprisings in the 1860s, this paper demonstrates that these stories not only captured the cultural oppression experienced by the Polish people but also embodied their deep belief in eventual liberation. The analysis of the gothic motifs within these fairy tales reveals how folklore served as both a cultural refuge and a form of resistance, offering hope amidst the erasure of Polish sovereignty. These narratives provided a space for resilience and resistance, reflecting the Polish desire for freedom and the eventual triumph of national identity, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds

    SmartCane - Tactile Pavement Substitution

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    Traditional mobility canes provide essential navigation support for visually impaired individuals, yet they rely heavily on environmental adaptations such as tactile pavements, which may not always be feasible indoors. The SmartCane project proposes an innovative alternative that enhances spatial perception using embedded color sensors and haptic feedback. By detecting colored tape on the ground, the SmartCane replicates the guidance provided by tactile pavements through distinct vibration patterns, allowing users to differentiate between safe paths, caution zones, and navigation cues without requiring permanent infrastructure modifications. The system is built around the Arduino Giga R1 WiFi microcontroller, integrated with TCS34725 color sensors, multiple vibration motors, and buzzers for auditory feedback. The microcontroller processes sensor data and triggers real-time haptic and auditory feedback to inform users of their surroundings. To further enhance indoor navigation, the SmartCane employs Bluetooth beacons that communicate with a companion mobile application. These beacons, strategically placed at key locations such as entrances and path intersections, provide additional directional assistance and safety warnings. The mobile app interprets beacon signals to offer real-time auditory cues, such as distance from intersections or notifications upon entering a beacon-equipped building, supplementing the cane’s tactile feedback. The project follows a structured development timeline, beginning with hardware and sensor selection, followed by software implementation for color detection and vibration feedback. Subsequent phases include field testing, refining sensor accuracy, and integrating Bluetooth communication. User testing with visually impaired individuals will provide insights for further improvements in usability and reliability. Designed for portability and adaptability, the SmartCane offers a cost-effective and scalable assistive solution that complements existing accessibility tools. By leveraging embedded systems, wireless communication, and user-centered design, this project aims to enhance independence and mobility for visually impaired individuals, particularly in indoor environments where traditional tactile pavements may be impractical

    Discrete Math for Computer Science - Chapter 23: Probability of an event

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    See this OER textbook full record by clicking here.https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/open-videos/1024/thumbnail.jp

    Discrete Math for Computer Science - Chapter 11: Inverse of a function: Composition of functions

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    See this OER textbook full record by clicking here.https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/open-videos/1013/thumbnail.jp

    Paikos

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    Blue Light Jazz Club

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    Dinner

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    Coffee Grounds

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    For How I Should Bloom

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