MacEwan Open Journals (MacEwan University)
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Will Virtual Labs Replace Cadavers in the Future of Nursing Curriculum?
No full textWith the decreased use of Cadavers in anatomy classes across Canadian nursing programs due to strict ethical approvals, lack of donors\u27 programs, lab space, and reduced dissection hours, universities must find alternative methods to deliver practical and realistic learning (Narnaware & Neumeier, 2021). Very few nursing programs across Canada are using the Anatomage Table (AT) as an alternative method of teaching and learning in anatomy and physiology despite its life size, realistic, and interactive way to dissect, explore, and understand the human body (Narnaware & Neumeier, 2021). However, using the AT is limited to classroom teaching and cannot be accessed offsite or outside class hours. In our preliminary qualitative study, virtualized laboratory sessions available to students outside the classroom and the freedom to complete the laboratory sessions on one\u27s schedule have proven effective at improving nursing students\u27 understanding and knowledge of the body. In this study, a Google survey on 15 virtual labs was given to anatomy students in the Fall of 2023. The virtual labs consisted of realistic histology of body tissue and 3D interactive models of body systems. Overall, the majority (74.9%) of students reported that the virtual labs significantly improved their understanding of the body\u27s tissues, and 76.4% of students recommend using virtual labs to future students. The overall response was positive. Virtual labs have proven effective at increasing understanding of the human body and should be included in the anatomy curriculum in the future.
Faculty Mentors: Dr. Raj Narnaware & Melanie Neumeier
The Promise of Socratic Irony: A Medium for Understanding (Noesis) in Platonic Dialogues
No full textThis exegesis on Platonic dialogues is inspired by Jacob Klein’s (1965) discussion on Socrates\u27 irony. Specifically, Klein\u27s statement that “[Socrates] is not ironical to satisfy himself. Everything about Socrates’ irony depends on the presence of other people who are capable of catching the irony, of hearing what is not said.” By noticing instances of Socratic irony in the texts, Klein’s remark seems to suggest that the reader can “hear what is not said” i.e. the reader (us), can unlock a form of understanding that is not explicitly mentioned in the text. The task of this exegesis, therefore, is dedicated to the so-called “noticing” of irony in Platonic dialogues. Guided by a desire to make Plato’s innovative use of Socratic irony intelligible, the structure of this exegesis will explore the form (dialogue and irony), content (dialectics and meaning), and context (space and time) of Platonic dialogues in their varying levels of interaction - i.e. the interaction between the interlocuters in the dialogues, the interaction between the dialogues themselves, and the interaction between the dialogues and us (the readers).
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Gaelan Murph
What Are the Maternal and Child Health Impacts of Cannabis Use During Pregnancy?
No full textWith the increasing use of cannabis since its legalization in Canada in 2018, this poster highlights the maternal and child health effects of cannabis consumption during pregnancy. Numerous scientific databases were used to collect information on potential neonatal and childhood developmental outcomes and consequences of cannabis use when chestfeeding. Risk factors and motivations for cannabis use in pregnancy, as well as possible antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum effects on the pregnant individual are also discussed. Based on the literature, recommendations are made regarding prenatal cannabis use.
Faculty Mentor: Hanneke Croxe
A Risky Gamble on our National Health: Examining Alberta’s Proposed Exit from the CPP
No full textAlberta\u27s proposed withdrawal from the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is of significant importance due to its potential impact on the health outcomes of older adults in Canada. This presentation examines the potential health inequities that could arise from a reduction in CPP funds for seniors in and outside Alberta after a potential implementation of an Alberta Pension Plan (APP). The background encompasses the history and success of the CPP in reducing poverty rates among seniors. It also addresses the challenges and uncertainties surrounding the transition to an APP, particularly in light of economic shifts such as the impending decline of Alberta\u27s oil industry and rising inflation rates. Considering health as a holistic state of well-being, we propose the use of a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) to analyze the potential health outcomes of Alberta\u27s departure from the CPP. Furthermore, we advocate for increased collaboration between federal and provincial health ministers and health leaders to ensure that all policies are screened for their potential impact on population health, with a focus on protecting the needs of vulnerable groups such as seniors. Overall, this presentation highlights the importance of evidence-based analysis and proactive policymaking to address the potential health repercussions of changes to pension plans affecting Canadian seniors.
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Morgan Wadam
Radical Third Spaces: How Independent Bookstores Contribute to Culture
No full textThis study focuses on comparing the book culture of Glass Bookshop in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with Lighthouse Bookshop in Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom. Unobtrusive observation of the stores\u27 websites, book club and in-store pop-up events, and in-store browsing habits at Glass Bookshop and Lighthouse Bookshop contributed to the data collected. Analysis of the stores\u27 websites and events were one-time occurrences. In-store observations at Glass Bookshop and Lighthouse Bookshop occurred three times a week for two weeks. Data was analyzed using a qualitative approach. It was found that Glass Bookshop\u27s minimalistic aesthetic was reflected through all its mediums. Lighthouse Bookshop\u27s slightly busy aesthetic was reflected in the warmth surrounding its event and store aesthetic. A survey was distributed to both store\u27s staff and customers, but the results are not discussed.
Faculty Mentors: Dr. Lucille Mazo & Dr. Leslie Vermee
Exploring Social Isolation Among Black Parents Who Have Children with Autism: Research Proposal
No full textAccording to Dis/ability critical race studies (DisCrit), inequalities based on disability do not exist separately from those in other domains of life, such as race. Instead, they intersect, building upon our identity in ways that amplify one\u27s discrimination and the discrimination of those with disabled adjacent identities (e.g., parents) (Annamma et al., 2013; Pearson et al., 2023). This literature allowed me to marry my interests in race and health to explore the (social) implications that autism has in the parenting community. As such, through my partnership with Autism Edmonton, I explored how inequalities (i.e., ableism and racism) present within Canada exist in a multitude of ways that impact the lived experiences of those with disabled adjacent identities, specifically Black parents of children with autism.
This presentation summarizes a research proposal that was developed for Autism Edmonton as a community partner for a fourth-year independent study course. Which explores the subjective experience of parenthood and how it becomes impacted by social factors such as race and disability. In order to study this topic, we propose future research that uses phenomenology and vignettes to center the voices of Black parents of children with autism (Creswell, 2014; Creswell, 2018; Starks & Trinidad, 2018). This will give researchers and community organizations such as Autism Edmonton a deep understanding of the experiences of Black parents of children with autism.
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Kalyani Thurairaja
Exploring Inclusive Personas for Sustainable UX Design
No full textWe wanted to explore how Social Sustainability could be incorporated in User Research in the UX Design field. For this, we chose to dive deeper into what inclusivity could look like in "Personas". When personas have a user base, *inclusive personas* look at the commonly unique needs of users in that user base, so that as much as possible, no one is left out. In the process, we used the Categories of Inclusion (Cognitive Differences, Ethnic backgrounds, Physical Capacity, etc.), the Pyramid of Diversity (ranging from No Difficulties to Severe Difficulties), as well as the Persona Spectrum of Scenarios (Permanent, Temporary and Situational) for inspiration. Some of the challenges encountered were: time, research methods, information architecture and visualization, as well as accessibility to user tests. This was a great opportunity for us and it definitely felt like a starting point that opened up more doors about what inclusion could look like in user research in UX Design, and what level of granularity is useful at that stage so that we can make products more accessible to users.
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Isabelle Speran
Greater Realism in Authentic Assessments Promotes Student Motivation and Engagement
No full textStudent motivation is an important predictor of both performance and attitudes toward schoolwork. Higher levels of intrinsic, or autonomous, motivation are facilitated by high-impact teaching practices, including experiential learning and using authentic experiences and evaluations. The present study was inspired by instructor perception that students in their third semester in a four-year undergraduate design program were more engaged with, and more motivated by, one course project over another. Although both projects were authentic assessments, the preferred project had more realism, including real external stakeholders and context. We assessed students’ subjective experience while working with two projects taught in the same course over two years, where the projects varied in level of realism. Phase 1 of the study measured students’ intrinsic motivation for the two projects using a questionnaire based on the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory. Phase 2 of the study again measured students’ intrinsic motivation for the two projects after the less-preferred project was adjusted to be more realistic. This study showed evidence that students experienced higher levels of engagement and intrinsic motivation when working with more realistic projects involving real external stakeholders and context, compared to a project with less realism. Projects with real problems, goals, and outcomes seem to give students a higher sense of autonomy, competence, and relatedness than fictitious ones—improving their self-regulation, engagement, and well-being
Internationalization of Education and the Experiences of International Students: What is Known
No full textAs the number of international students crossing borders from the Global South to study in the Global North continues to grow, there is a call for an appropriate response to the needs of this category of Canadian immigrants. Using the theoretical framework of border crossing, in this paper, I examine the historical and contemporary contexts of the internationalization of education and what is known about the experiences of international students. In this paper, I also utilize the ideas of border crossing to examine the links between the experiences of the borderlands by international students and the impacts on their multiple identities. In conclusion, I suggest a radical position instead of a rhetorical approach on issues affecting international students, which includes creating an inclusive environment that embraces openness to differences and fosters the true spirit of equity and diversity. A desirable approach is to build a learning environment that facilitates a sense of belonging for all students
A cross-cultural examination of the alchemical origins underlying medicinal uses of mercury across Eurasia
No full textThis study aims to investigate the different cultural perspectives that underline historical uses of mercury in medicine across Eurasia in the pre-industrial period. In attempts to compare and contrast the differences and similarities between these medicinal uses of mercury, this project reviews literature exploring the developmental origins of medicine from several general regions, including China, the Mediterranean, India, the Arabic world, and Western Europe. This investigation shows that Eurasian medicinal uses of mercury are closely related to alchemical philosophy and deeply intertwined with spirituality. The results of this study also show that uses and perceptions of mercury were highly similar across the continent, having been viewed as an element imbued with supernatural and transformational power, and likely developed due to centuries of academic and cultural exchange between these five major centres of civilization.
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Treena Swansto