Our GIFT to CKCA

Dr. C and the 3 Dimensionators are working hard on a GIFT to present at the Central states Communication Association (CSCA). GIFT is an acronym for Great Ideas For Teaching. What we want to accomplish with our GIFT is to provide new and better ways to teach communication theory models.

Each of the 3 Dimensionators have chosen a communication theory that they understand and we are working on creating a model that will make it easier to visually understand for others.

We are using a program called Leonar3do as well as a 3D printer to bring our conceptualizations to life. Leonar3do is an easy program to use allowing us, communication majors, to create images and scenes that only graphics majors or engineers would have been able to create in the past. Communication has been taught for years with just word of mouth or simple 2D drawings. We want to show a way to create models in 3D that will provide hands-on learning with the objects that we print off, and provide a better model that a student or teacher can relate to in an easier way than just trying to visualize a theory in their own heads. We want to get rid of any confusion or miscommunication that may happen between student and teacher when discussing a theory so that instead of confusion there can be more progressive learning taking place.

After we create the conceptualizations of the theory that we each chose we may go a few different directions. We may just chose one of the three that we as a group are working on, we may choose two, or we may choose to go with all three of the theories that we have been working on individually. After we decide how many of these concepts to work on as a team, we will team up and create models on the computer as well as print outs of tools that educators and students can use to learn and teach with. We will then present these tools and our work at the Central States Communication Association conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

This project will leave a legacy of tools available to the public. Communication theory students everywhere will be able to find our work and use it, build on it, and make it better so that communication studies continues to grow. It is great to be part of something that is laying the foundation for the future of communication studies.

Learn more about CSCA at: CSCA Website