SPARK Bethel University
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Developing optical devices and projects for teaching engineering
We are creating a suite of tools and techniques based on optics to be used for teaching a variety of engineering topics. Each tool is intended for non-expert use and without the need for high-end equipment such as vibration-free optical tables. Here we report progress on three such tools: image-plane digital holography for measuring mechanical deformation; schlieren imaging of convective flows using a smart phone; and a simple optical communication protocol using LabVIEW. We will present the designs of the tools and preliminary results from teaching engineering labs and projects with these tools. Specific courses impacted to date include Fluid Dynamics, Mechanical Systems and Measurements, and Physical Optics.
We use digital holography for rapid and precise imaging of mechanical deformation. Digital holography uses a laser and beamsplitter to create an interference pattern and image it with a digital camera. One of the beams reflects off a metal bar that we can mechanically load and deform. The small deformation creates a phase shift to the interference pattern, which can be readily and precisely analyzed after numerically reconstructing the hologram, typically performed in Matlab. Sub-micron precision is observed, in accordance with the wavelength of visible light.
Schlieren imaging is a powerful technique for fluid visualization. In our setup, a single curved mirror is used to image a point source onto a screen or detector. The light source is the flash of a smart phone camera, and the detector is the smart phone camera. Near the curved mirror, a convection source such as a lit candle is placed. A stop is used to block a portion of the field, enabling the refraction caused by the flow’s density variations to create an image of the flow. We will report the design of a compact and portable setup to hold and position the mirror and phone. The parts are 3-D printable or otherwise commercially available.
Laser communication uses either amplitude, frequency, or phase steps of the laser field to encode information. Here we focus on amplitude- and frequency-shift communications, using simple diode lasers along with a standard computer data acquisition card. We demonstrate high fidelity communications at several hundred kbps speeds, including the ability to post messages to social media sites via the laser protocol.
This work is supported by the NSF Division of Undergraduate Educatio
Mark Strauss
Dr. Mark Strauss\u27 areas of expertise include the New Testament, Greek, Bible Translation, and Hermeneutics.https://spark.bethel.edu/uni-prof-photos/1002/thumbnail.jp
Perceptions of Somali Parents Regarding the Impact of the Parent Academy Program on Their School Engagement Capacity
The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of Somali parents about the Parent Academy program in Saint Paul Schools and whether it impacted their school engagement capacity. The research was a qualitative phenomenological study. The research established a common definition of parent engagement as an intentional active work parents and schools undertake together to support student achievement. The research methodology involved data collection through pre/post-survey questionnaires and semi-structured focus group discussions. The data was then analyzed with a combination of labeling, sorting, and coding of the main themes. The study findings were narrowed down to three main themes with subcategories. The overarching themes were: perceptions about the Parent Academy program were positive; the Parent Academy program had changed participants’ parent engagement perspectives; participants believed that their school engagement capacity had increased but systemic barriers still remained. The participants shared that the Parent Academy helped them to learn how to navigate the school system and relate to their children more effectively. The researcher hopes that this modest contribution to the field of parent engagement will ignite discussions, spark further research, and change practices to address the needs of parents to serve their children better in the public school systems. Enhanced parent engagement capacity is an equity prerogative for a welcoming school culture and successful student achievement.https://spark.bethel.edu/edd-showcase-2021/1028/thumbnail.jp
The Book of Revelation: Part 1 Monday Adult Community 2022 Okoboji Bible Conference
The Book of Revelation has three interwoven themes that we find throughout the book: the kingdom of God, tribulation, and perseverance
Impact of Secondary Birth Trauma on Perinatal Providers and Interventions to Promote Adaptive Coping Strategies
Introduction: Vicarious birth trauma can cause serious negative repercussions for perinatal providers worldwide. This methodological review aims to examine the aftermath of experiencing secondary birth trauma among perinatal providers and explores how to overcome trauma and promote healthy adaptive coping mechanisms by looking at the issue through Conti-O’Hare’s theory of the Nurse as a Wounded Healer. Methods: A literature review was conducted using Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, Public/Publisher MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and Scopus using keywords related to perinatal providers and vicarious birth trauma. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis was utilized to report articles meeting the criteria. Inclusion criteria for article selection were specific to perinatal providers who had attended or witnessed traumatic birth and interventions that addressed negative sequelae from the event. Findings were organized in three categories using the theory of the Nurse as a Wounded Healer and included walking wounded, wounded healer, and interventions. Results: Twenty-five articles were extracted for review that showed secondary birth trauma was experienced worldwide by perinatal providers. The impact of vicarious birth trauma contributed to burnout, compassion fatigue, and posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms across disciplines. Few interventions were found; however, coping was most successful when providers felt support from a system level. Discussion: Many aspects factor into PTS experiences after a provider participates in vicarious birth trauma. More interventions need to be investigated to alleviate burnout and exit from the profession
The Impact of Technology Integration on Secondary Student Learning
In a world that is ever advancing in technology, we too must grow along with it. Technology has, especially in recent years, been integrated into education. It is a tool that provides a means to student learning. For many, the integration of technology within the classroom has presented both positive and negative effects on student learning. By conducting a literature review, this thesis will address the impact of technology on student learning within the secondary classroom as well as the tradeoffs that technology integration presents. Furthermore, technology presents two roles to observe: as a tool and as the teacher. Finally, it is important to understand the outside factors such as distractions, social media, and teacher attitudes that impact the secondary classroom
The Engagement of Students in Online Learning
Online education should include the engagement of students in as many ways as possible. Social, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive engagements are the primary types of engagement that can be applied. This research was conducted firstly, to discover to what extent engagement can be leveraged in education, with the purpose of improving the academic achievement of students. The second purpose is to identify strategies that can be implemented in educational instruction with the goal of increasing academic engagement across the four identified types of engagement. It was discovered that engagement can be utilized to improve student outcomes, and that there are distinct strategies to increase academic engagement
The Characteristics of Successful Charter Schools
This literature review examines what characteristics make successful charter schools. Charter schools have been expanding throughout the United States for the last 20 years and this paper looks at the different factors that contribute to successful charter schools. This paper compares how low achieving students in urban environments perform in both public charter schools and traditional public schools. This paper explains the positive effect that comprehensive behavior policies, parent buy-in, teacher autonomy, teacher evaluations, leadership, tutoring, teacher feedback and high student expectations have on the overall success of the schools and students. This literature review also examines some of the negative components of charter schools and how to better serve all students
Importance of Inclusion for Special Education Students in General Education Classrooms
This literature review aims to inform inclusive education and why it is crucial for all students. Inclusion is based on students\u27 academic and social-emotional success from learning with general education peers from both general education, special education teachers, and support staff. Inclusion in education helps students with disabilities be able to learn in the same classroom as general education peers. It provides opportunities for staff to collaborate as team members to best support students. Studies included looking at inclusion and how it has evolved in education. It views teachers\u27 attitudes and supports that staff needs to help inclusive education work. Lastly, it views general education students\u27 perspectives of working with special education peers and if inclusion lowers general education peers\u27 academic scores. Inclusion supports students with disabilities\u27 needs and goals by letting them be included in education. Teachers need more professional development training on how to differentiate instruction and allow time to collaborate with supporting staff. The literature completed looks at all aspects that are important to include and how to make it work successfully for all involved correctly
“Everybody Here is Like a Therapist : A Qualitative Case Study of School Based Mental Health Integration within a Multi-Tiered System of Support in one Urban Alternative High School
The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the integration of a School Based Mental Health Program within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in an urban alternative high school. The eight participants of this study are members of the student support team at the urban alternative high school. The videoconferencing tool, Microsoft Teams, was used for the interviews. Qualitative data analyses processes developed codes and themes (Merriam & Tisdell, 2016). This process included member checking and a peer review process. Through this process sixteen codes and five themes emerged. The codes were present in at least six of the participants\u27 data and themes were present in all eight participants’ data. The five themes are Theme 1: Holistic Support First, Theme 2: Mental Health Staff’s Integration, Theme 3: MTSS Team Roles, Theme 4: Diversity is an Asset, and Theme 5: School and Community Intersection. The themes each present part of how the urban alternative high school integrates mental health support into its MTSS