How Ducks Research

Sally Campbell & Greg Martin Counterstory: Researching and Analyzing Public Speaking Literacy Amongst College Students
Public speaking is one form of literacy that is used frequently but does not always get the same level of attention as other forms, such as writing and reading. According to UCLA, 75% of people suffer from some sort of anxiety preceding speeches and public speaking. It is a goal of mine, and a few others to get the resources on campus to aid those with public speaking anxiety. From a more narrow perspective, this study will work to uncover the difference between talent versus strength in terms of public speaking—with talent being a more natural capability, and a strength entailing more time and energy invested in the talent. By using already published statistics, other universities' experiences, and focus groups specific to the University of Oregon, this study is working to find the necessary qualitative and quantitative data to build a successful resource for the university. Success in this context entails a place where all feel welcome, and the needs of each individual can be met. The research will be important to make this unique resource thrive.

Peyton Carl, Lucy Roberts, Abby Whelan Comparing and Contrasting Workflows and Data Management for Web-based vs Analog Cartography
Cartography is a field that allows geographers to visualize information that has a geospatial component, also known as spatial data. Programs like Mapbox and Carto are newer methods of cartography that utilize web design for map creation. In comparison, print mapping workflows use programs like ArcGIS, ArcMap, and Adobe Illustrator. These programs each have different assets that can be used to produce print-based products. Together, both web mapping and analog mapping have benefits and drawbacks which impact the design decisions a cartographer must make on topics ranging from user accessibility to different map projections. We will analyze these choices through the examination of student research at the Infographics Lab in partnership with Network Startup Research Center. The NSRC is known for their work to “develop national and regional Internet infrastructure for collaborative research, education, and international partnerships”. The geographic nature of the NSRC’s work facilitates their partnership with the IGL, through which the IGL has produced a wide variety of cartographic products. Analyzing these design choices provides a diverse portfolio for examining cartographic design choices. Understanding the best practices for web and print-based cartography can operate as a proxy to facilitate better scientific communication.

Matthew Hampton & Grace Trammell Data "Counterstory:" Academic Text Accessibility and Open Educational Resources
Textbooks are an essential aspect of learning in higher education curriculum. In many cases professors will require students to purchase one or multiple textbooks, creating an additional financial burden for students. When this happens, students are left with few options: find a lower-cost alternative, or drop the class. Thus, textbooks are a means of creating a literacy and education gap within higher education, with low-income students most impacted by it. However, Open Educational Resources (OERs) are a means to reduce this gap by providing equitable literature to all students within higher education. In recent years, (OERs), free academic texts, have in-part filled the gap by providing public knowledge to students and other groups. With the use of OERs openly accessible on the internet or in libraries, community members not affiliated with universities also have the opportunities to learn about various subjects they may not have had before. While working on an in-house University of Oregon OER, the Talking Stories website, we discovered that putting together a well-researched OER had as much to do with compiling credible academic information as presenting it in a way that anybody, regardless of education level, can understand. Based on this, we will share our experience and knowledge gained during this project to creating change and expanding community literacy. We will speak to how broadening academic text accessibility through OERs can increase community literacy.