LETTER OF INTEREST

[Video Begins]

Video Description: A teal green radial gradient background. In the center, Matt Andersen, a early-40’s white male with light brown hair and stubble beard. He’s wearing a dark navy blue polo t-shirt with two white stripes on collar and around the sleeves.

Matthew: Hi, I’m [sign name – a bent-V handshape clawing downward on cheek], Matt Andersen.

I am making this video to express my strong interest in the Instructional Professor position within the American Sign Language program. As a Deaf individual from a Deaf family, ASL is my native language, and this lived experience informs my teaching and research. I offer students an authentic understanding of ASL as a core component of Deaf culture and identity. My experience as an Assistant Professor at Columbia College Chicago has equipped me with diverse teaching, mentoring, and research skills, making me a compelling candidate. I am confident in my ability to teach sign language courses at all levels and Deaf Studies related courses and enrich the University of Chicago's academic environment.

The University of Chicago's emphasis on research, particularly within the Linguistics program, is a significant draw. My research explores technology integration in ASL and Deaf education, examining how technology can enhance learning, promote accessibility, and foster inclusion. My current research focuses on L1 and L2 ASL students' ability to detect signing spaces in videos and the impact of online learning on specific ASL skills, such as directional verbs and spatial mapping. I am also passionate about researching Queer Deaf spaces within ASL education and Deaf Studies, investigating the experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ Deaf individuals, and advocating for inclusive curricula. Currently, I am collaborating with researchers from the University of Tennessee to explore

whether existing spaces adequately provide the language and platform for Queer Deaf individuals to discuss their identities. My ongoing scholarly work aligns with the University's commitment to impactful scholarship. I am eager to contribute to the University's tradition of excellence and see this position as an opportunity to establish a long-term career.

I hold an M.A. in Sign Language Education from Gallaudet University and am a certified ASLTA Master-level instructor. My nine years at Columbia College Chicago have provided extensive teaching experience, including twelve distinct courses, mentoring over fifteen students in independent projects, and developing expertise in online course design and instruction. As a sign language professor, I am committed to student-centered learning. I prioritize ASL as the primary language of instruction while promoting an authentic language immersion experience where students can fully engage with ASL and foster fluent and meaningful communication.

Beyond teaching and researching, I actively contribute to institutional development through service on various committees, including assessment panels and curriculum development initiatives. I recently completed a four year commitment to Columbia's Anti-Racism Transformative Team. My experience as a Program Liaison at Gallaudet University and as Vice President of the ASL Teachers' Association demonstrates my commitment to collaborative leadership.

I am eager to bring my passion for teaching, research, and service to the University of Chicago. My diverse academic background complements my expertise in sign language education. My curriculum vitae, teaching philosophy, graduate transcript, and references are enclosed. Work samples are available at www.profmandersen.com/UofChicago. I welcome the opportunity to discuss my potential contributions further.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

[Video Ends]

November 20th, 2024

University of Chicago
5801 S Ellis Ave.
Chicago, IL 60637

Dear Search Committee,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Instructional Professor position within the American Sign Language program. As a Deaf individual from a Deaf family, ASL is my native language, and this lived experience informs my teaching and research. I offer students an authentic understanding of ASL as a core component of Deaf culture and identity. My experience as an Assistant Professor at Columbia College Chicago has equipped me with diverse teaching, mentoring, and research skills, making me a compelling candidate. I am confident in my ability to teach sign language courses at all levels and Deaf Studies related courses and enrich the University of Chicago's academic environment.

The University of Chicago's emphasis on research, particularly within the Linguistics program, is a significant draw. My research explores technology integration in ASL and Deaf education, examining how technology can enhance learning, promote accessibility, and foster inclusion. My current research focuses on L1 and L2 ASL students' ability to detect signing spaces in videos and the impact of online learning on specific ASL skills, such as directional verbs and spatial mapping. I am also passionate about researching Queer Deaf spaces within ASL education and Deaf Studies, investigating the experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ Deaf individuals, and advocating for inclusive curricula. Currently, I am collaborating with researchers from the University of Tennessee to explore whether existing spaces adequately provide the language and platform for Queer Deaf individuals to discuss their identities. My ongoing scholarly work aligns with the University's commitment to impactful scholarship. I am eager to contribute to the University's tradition of excellence and see this position as an opportunity to establish a long-term career.

I hold an M.A. in Sign Language Education from Gallaudet University and am a certified ASLTA Master-level instructor. My nine years at Columbia College Chicago have provided extensive teaching experience, including twelve distinct courses, mentoring over fifteen students in independent projects, and developing expertise in online course design and instruction. As a sign language professor, I am committed to student-centered learning. I prioritize ASL as the primary language of instruction while promoting an authentic language immersion experience where students can fully engage with ASL and foster fluent and meaningful communication.

Beyond teaching and researching, I actively contribute to institutional development through service on various committees, including assessment panels and curriculum development initiatives. I recently completed a four-year commitment to Columbia's Anti-Racism Transformative Team. My experience as a Program Liaison at Gallaudet University and as Vice President of the ASL Teachers' Association demonstrates my commitment to collaborative leadership.

I am eager to bring my passion for teaching, research, and service to the University of Chicago. My diverse academic background complements my expertise in sign language education. My curriculum vitae, teaching philosophy, graduate transcript, and references are enclosed. Work samples are available at www.profmandersen.com/UofChicago. I welcome the opportunity to discuss my potential contributions further.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely,

Matt P. Andersen, M.A.

Biography 

[Video Description: The video starts with a close-up shot of Matthew Andersen. He’s wearing a button up shirt with sleeves rolled up]

Matthew: “Hello”

[Video Description: Video shot switched from close-up shot to mid shot]

Matthew: “I'm Matthew Andersen, but call me Matt. My sign name, Matt. I have been born and raised in a Deaf family (parents and three siblings) in Ontario, Canada. Growing up I attended to a Deaf school. I graduated in 2000…”

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Matthew: “…and then attended to Gallaudet University to pursue a degree in art therapy…”

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MatthewL “…As you know how life goes, I got distracted by the opportunity to travel around the world and perform with a Deaf dance company. During those years, I've performed, presented, and hosted workshops…”

[Video Description: Video shot switched from mid shot to close-up shot]

Matthew: “…I decided it's time to pursue my education again. I got myself enrolled into Rochester Institute of Technology. I studied visual communication and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 2008…”

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Matthew: “…I relocated and settled in Chicago, Illinois. I've worked at various of jobs in Chicagoland within both fields; visual communication and sign language education. I've taught sign language to a wide various of ages and levels of skills I’m working as a college instructor, teaching American Sign Language (ASL I to Advanced) and several other Deaf Culture related courses (Deaf Culture, Deaf Theatre, etc) After a while of enjoying my time teaching…”

[Video Description: Video shot switched from mid shot to close-up shot]

Matthew: “…I eventually decided to solidify my career in sign language eduction by completing Gallaudet University’s Masters Sign Language Education in 2019…”

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Matthew: “…Now, I'm looking forward to continue my career as sign language educator.”

[Video ends]

CURRICULUM VITAE

High School: E.C.Drury School for the Deaf - 2000

Bachelor of Science: Rochester Institute of Technology - 2008
Graphics Media & Advertising/Public Relations

Masters: Gallaudet University - 2019 (Passed with Distinction)
Sign Language Education (MASLED)

Columbia College Chicago - 2020 to present (as Assistant Professor)
During my time at Columbia College Chicago, starting in 2016 and culminating in my 2020 appointment as Assistant Professor, I've revamped the American Sign Language program by rewriting twelve courses to meet ACTFL standards, authored "Advanced ASL II" and "Disability Visibility," and co-authored "Sign Language, Culture, and Power." I've expanded learning beyond the classroom through two study abroad courses focused on Deaf education and culture, spearheaded the integration of online ASL education, and devised an innovative assessment strategy to precisely track student progress. My leadership extends to advising the ASL Club, fostering its growth and campus recognition, and serving on the Anti-Racism Transformative Team, contributing to the 2023 college-wide climate survey. My commitment to student success is further evidenced by the "Excellence in Teaching" award and my experience teaching eleven diverse courses across various delivery methods.

DePaul University - 2019 to 2020
Matt was in talk with DePaul University’s American Sign Language program coordinator while he was working on obtaining his Masters degree. He got hired soon after he become qualified to become one of Modern Language adjunct professors. He collaborated with the ASL Program Director to develop a new and updated Deaf Culture course.

Northwestern University (Evanston Campus) - 2018 to 2019
Matt is honored to be asked by a group of students at Northwestern University to attempt to restart their American Sign Language program. The students and Matt are working on building their case to show the provost of the university that there is a demand for American Sign Language and Deaf Culture courses. He has taught three non-credit ASL sessions.

Columbia College Chicago (Online) - 2018 to 2020
Matt immediately accepted the job as one of the online ASL instructors, as it fits his passion for developing sign language online curriculum. He worked with Columbia College Chicago’s department of online programs to ensure that the students receive sufficiently of language and culture exposure through digital tools and online. 

Columbia College Chicago - 2016 to 2020 (as Adjunct)
Matt was asked to work at Columbia College Chicago in their American Sign Language Department. With the support he has in the department he thrived as an instructor and mentor. Within two years he has taught all levels of American Sign Language courses (ASL I, II, III, IV & Advanced) and several different Deaf Culture related courses. Outside of the classroom, Matt focuses his time and energy on promoting the quality of education and environment by working with multiple students on their independent project/study and partook several ad hoc committees (assessment handbook, Deaf Space, and videographer studio.) He is ASL Department ’s curriculum committee part-time faculty representative where he has created and revised courses to comply with the college’s standards or objectives. 

ASL Instructor/Tutor - Since 2007
Matt has often taken the opportunity to teach American Sign Language to a variety of people. He has the firm belief that as a Deaf ASL signer, it’s his responsibility to promote and educate others about his native language, especially the people surrounding him. He started as an Interpreter Training Program tutor at Rochester Institute of Technology and has hosted multiple community classes around Chicago - Deaf Communication by Innovation, Chicago Public School and Library, and Steppenwolf Theatre.

My professional development has focused on enhancing my teaching practices in ASL, particularly in areas such as assessment, technology integration, and culturally responsive pedagogy. I actively seek opportunities to deepen my understanding of current research and innovative approaches in the field of sign language education.

Metacognitive Tips for Struggling Students, Ventosa, J. J. (November 2024). Lecture presented during 2024 ACTFL Convention - Philadelphia.

Mindfulness & Metacognition: Strategies for Compassionate Error Correction, Wright, L., and Cunicelli, J. (November 2024). Lecture presented during 2024 ACTFL Convention - Philadelphia.

How to Develop Gamified Units for World Language Instruction, Pikaard, M. (November 2024). Lecture presented during 2024 ACTFL Convention - Philadelphia.

Games that Promote Collaboration and Engagement in World Language, Amer, M. (November 2024). Lecture presented during 2024 ACTFL Convention - Philadelphia.

Flipped Classroom: Possible in a University Setting?, Santilli, J. L. (November 2024). Lecture presented during 2024 ACTFL Convention - Philadelphia.

Inclusive and Effective Strategies for Students with Learning Differences, Wang, B. (November 2024). Lecture presented during 2024 ACTFL Convention - Philadelphia.

ASL Activities for Large Groups of Students, McDevitt, R. (November 2024). Lecture presented during 2024 ACTFL Convention - Philadelphia.

Increasing Students Engagement and Cultural Competencies via Virtual Reality, Rothe, L. (November 2024). Lecture presented during 2024 ACTFL Convention - Philadelphia.

Deaf Humanities in American Sign Language Courses, Marshall, J. (November 2024). Lecture presented during 2024 ACTFL Convention - Philadelphia.

Exploring Corrective Feedback in the American Sign Language Classroom, Listman, J., and Pirone, J. (November 2024). Lecture presented during 2024 ACTFL Convention - Philadelphia.

Micro-Immersion Classroom Protocol for Language Proficiency in Three Months, Clapp, R. (November 2024). Lecture presented during 2024 ACTFL Convention - Philadelphia.

Language Immersion Through Technology: Vision Pro AR, VR, and AI, Bluemel, B. (November 2024). Lecture presented during 2024 ACTFL Convention - Philadelphia.

I Do, We Do, You - Collaborative Routines for Language Learners, Griffin, K., Sauer, T. (November 2024). Lecture presented during 2024 ACTFL Convention - Philadelphia.

Developing an AAPPL in ASL: Opportunities and Lesson Learned, Verdin-Padilla, V., and Favero, C. (November 2024). Lecture presented during 2024 ACTFL Convention - Philadelphia.

Sign Language Portfolio: Self-Assessment Tool for ASL Students, Qureshi, Z., and Wiesblatt, D. (November 2024). Lecture presented during 2024 ACTFL Convention - Philadelphia.

Maximizing Your Classroom Library, Kindt, M. D. (November 2024). Lecture presented during 2024 ACTFL Convention - Philadelphia.

Essential Guide to Deaf Education, Ladd, P. (October 2024). Lecture presented during 2024 NASLEHL ASL Roundtable - Rochester.

Quilting ASL Literature: Crafting Teaching Tools with Technology, Motylinski, B., and Kogan, I. (October 2024). Lecture presented during 2024 NASLEHL ASL Roundtable - Rochester.

Head Movement: Critical Feature in ASL, Cagle, K. M., and Lott, S. (October 2024). Lecture presented during 2024 NASLEHL ASL Roundtable - Rochester.

Evidence-Based Instructional Strategies in ASL Education, Holcomb, L. (October 2024). Lecture presented during 2024 NASLEHL ASL Roundtable - Rochester.

Need for Standardized ASL Assessments Tools, Hauser, P. (October 2024). Lecture presented during 2024 NASLEHL ASL Roundtable - Rochester.

Creating a Digital Sign Language Portfolio, Buchanan, B. (October 2023). Lecture presented during European Network of Sign Language Teachers: LESICO 3, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.

STEM in Sign Language Education: Instructional Strategies and Methodologies, Rathmann, C., and Unterhitzenberger, G. (October 2023). Lecture presented during European Network of Sign Language Teachers: LESICO 3, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Identifying the Phonological Errors of Second-Modality Second-Language (M2-L2) Novice Signers through Video-Based Mock Tests, Lerose, L. (October 2023). Lecture presented during European Network of Sign Language Teachers: LESICO 3, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Assessing Interaction in Sign Language, Rathmann, C. and Geissler, T. (October 2023). Lecture presented during European Network of Sign Language Teachers: LESICO 3, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Sign Language Production - Self Assessment for Sign Language Learners, Barbeito, P., Bittner, A., and Geissler, T. (October 2023). Lecture presented during European Network of Sign Language Teachers: LESICO 3, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Contemporary Issues in Sign Language and Sign Language Interpreting Training programs: How Can the Level of C1 in Sign Language Proficiency Can Be Achieved and Be Assessed?, Peters, C. (October 2023). Lecture presented during European Network of Sign Language Teachers: LESICO 3, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Promoting Excellence in Sign Language Instruction in Europe: State of Art, Rathmann, C. (October 2023). Lecture presented during European Network of Sign Language Teachers: LESICO 3, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Canadian Sign Language Teacher Training: Lack of Resources for Minority Groups, Hakamali, I., Richardson, R., and Savard, C. (October 2023). Lecture presented during European Network of Sign Language Teachers: LESICO 3, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.

An NZSL Teacher Training Programme: Developing Individuals, Community and a Profession, McKee, R. and McKee, D. (October 2023). Lecture presented during European Network of Sign Language Teachers: LESICO 3, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.

The Landscape of American Sign Language Education in the United States, Listman, J. and Pirone, J. (October 2023). Lecture presented during European Network of Sign Language Teachers: LESICO 3, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Signomodellen: Experiences from Developing and Implementing a New Model for Learning Norwegian Sign Language in Signo School, Gjermundrød, H. and Field, E. A. (October 2023). Lecture presented during European Network of Sign Language Teachers: LESICO 3, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.

How to Teach Turn Taking - In Both Theory and Practice in Danish Sign Language, Myrup, L. (October 2023). Lecture presented during European Network of Sign Language Teachers: LESICO 3, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Class Management and Understanding Second Language Teaching Methods - A Necessity for Sign Language Teachers, Padden, T. (October 2023). Lecture presented during European Network of Sign Language Teachers: LESICO 3, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

SignTeach Online and Hybrid Sign Language Teaching: Approaches and Effectiveness, Lerose, L. and Novakova, R. (October 2023). Lecture presented during European Network of Sign Language Teachers: LESICO 3, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Challenges and Best Practices of Sign Language Digital Teaching from the Perspective of L2 Learners, Bittner, A. (October 2023). Lecture presented during European Network of Sign Language Teachers: LESICO 3, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Sign Language Recognition in Europe, Isari, S. (October 2023). Lecture presented during European Network of Sign Language Teachers: LESICO 3, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.

DSGS Online: A Handbook of Swiss-German Sign Language, Tissi, K. (October 2023). Lecture presented during European Network of Sign Language Teachers: LESICO 3, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Bilingual-Bimodal Storybooks for Deaf Children: A Set of Competencies and Skills for Sign Language Teachers, Rathmann, C. and Peters, C. (October 2023). Lecture presented during European Network of Sign Language Teachers: LESICO 3, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Two Way Sign Language Assessment: An Overview, Simmons, P. K. (October 2023). Lecture presented during European Network of Sign Language Teachers: LESICO 3, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Keeping Students in the Target Language, Lechner, H. J., and Hodgdon, C. (November 2023). Discussion facilitated during 2023 ACTFL Convention - Chicago.

No More Final Exams: ePortfolio as a Means to Assessment Issue, Devich, C., et al. (November 2023). Lecture presented during 2023 ACTFL Convention - Chicago.

Designing Effective Asynchronous Language Course, Slusarek, M. (November 2023). Lecture presented during 2023 ACTFL Convention - Chicago.

ASL Curricula Gaps and How to Supplement Them, Newsom-Wuertz, R. M., Turpin, H., Garland, K. (November 2023). Lecture presented during 2023 ACTFL Convention - Chicago.

Authentic Virtual Learning Using VR, AR, and AI, Cardwell, S., Brown, T., and Polson, S. (November 2023). Lecture presented during 2023 ACTFL Convention - Chicago.

What is Two Way Sign Language Assessment?, Cohen, B. S., and Simmons, P. K. (November 2023). Lecture presented during 2023 ACTFL Convention - Chicago.

Promoting Personalized Feedback and Authentic Assessment with Canvas Tools, Ivliyeva, I. V. (November 2023). Lecture presented during 2023 ACTFL Convention - Chicago.

Digital Storytelling for Language, Cultural, and Technological Proficiency, Miura, M., and Doucet, A. (November 2023). Lecture presented during 2023 ACTFL Convention - Chicago.

Digital Learning Lounge: What’s Trending, Scoggins, C. L. (November 2023). Lecture presented during 2023 ACTFL Convention - Chicago.

Understanding Black ASL, Dummett, R. (July 2023). Lecture presented during 2023 ASLTA National Professional Development Conference - Columbus.

Grade Inflation in ASL Courses Among ASL Instructors, Radford, C. (July 2023). Lecture presented during 2023 ASLTA National Professional Development Conference - Columbus.

Exploring and Understanding Intersectionality as Educators, Sever-Hall, A. (July 2023). Lecture presented during 2023 ASLTA National Professional Development Conference - Columbus.

ASL Teachers’ Acculturation Experience in Interacting with Hearing Individuals, Welch, T. (July 2023). Lecture presented during 2023 ASLTA National Professional Development Conference - Columbus.

Technology - A Friend or Foe? Which?, Brysch, S., and Giuntoli-DuBois, C. J. (July 2023). Lecture presented during 2023 ASLTA National Professional Development Conference - Columbus.

Fostering Failure: Leveraging Mindsets in Language Environments, Small, J. (July 2023). Lecture presented during 2023 ASLTA National Professional Development Conference - Columbus.

Power, Language, and History: The Elder Deaf LGBTQIA+ Perspectives, Klein, B. (July 2023). Lecture presented during 2023 ASLTA National Professional Development Conference - Columbus.

Unpacking Sexuality: Creating a Sexual Trauma-Informed Learning Environment, Gehman, B. (July 2023). Lecture presented during 2023 ASLTA National Professional Development Conference - Columbus.

Canvas Certified Educator (Higher ED), Instructure Learning Service (2021-2022). Training taken on instructure.com

Constructing a Counternarrative Through Intersectional Lens, Part 1 & 2, English, A. (September 2021). Constructing a Counternarrative Through Intersectional Lens, Part 1 & 2 presented during 2021 National Association of the Deaf Leadership Training Virtual Conference. Training taken through Zoom. 

Working Together, Not Against Each Other (Webinar), Barber, K. et al. (September 2021). Working Together, Not Against Each Other presented during 2021 National Association of the Deaf Leadership Training Virtual Conference. 

Deaf Self Advocacy Training (DSAT), Gutierrez, C. (September 2021). Deaf Self Advocacy Training presented during 2021 National Association of the Deaf Leadership Training Virtual Conference. Training taken through Zoom. 

Audism in Deaf Education (Webinar), Holmes Hilbok, T. (March 2021). Lecture presented during Gallaudet University’s Audism Webinar Series.

Audism in the Arts (Webinar) Schetrit, O. (April 2021). Lecture presented during Gallaudet University’s Audism Webinar Series.

Audism in the Deaf Community (Webinar) Bahan, B. (May 2021). Lecture presented during Gallaudet University’s Audism Webinar Series.

Audism in the Workplace (Webinar) Malkowski, G. (April 2021). Lecture presented during Gallaudet University’s Audism Webinar Series.

Audism: An Introductory Framework (Webinar) Bauman, D., & Gertz, G. (February 2021). Lecture presented during Gallaudet University’s Audism Webinar Series.

Audism in Deaf Education (Webinar) Holmes Hilbok, T. (March 2021). Lecture presented during Gallaudet University’s Audism Webinar Series.

Psychological Impact of Audism (Webinar), Hauser, P.C. (March 2021). Lecture presented during Gallaudet University’s Audism Webinar Series.

Intersection Between Racism and Audism (Pre-Recorded Webinar) Simms, L.E. (February 2021). Recorded lecture presented during Gallaudet University’s Audism Webinar Series.

Make Your Point with a Single-Point Rubric (Pre-Recorded Webinar), Eagan, T. (November 2020). Recorded lecture presented during 2020 ACTFL Virtual Convention.

But What About the Grading? (Webinar) Lesniak, M. & Mehegan, D. (November 2020). Lecture presented during 2020 ACTFL Virtual Convention.

Flipping the Classroom without Flipping Out: Best Practices (Webinar), Vasseur, R. (November 2020). Lecture presented during 2020 ACTFL Virtual Convention.

Designing Online Learning Experiences with Learning Management Systems (Webinar), Cornell, J., & Espitia, D. (November 2020). Recorded lecture presented during 2020 ACTFL Virtual Convention.

AAPPL Communication Builder & The AAPPL Model for Classroom Task Design (Webinar), Marshall, C., Pereira, M. & Zamora, C. (November 2020). Lecture presented during 2020 ACTFL Virtual Convention.

Flipping Feedback: Engaging Students in the Feedback Process (Pre-Recorded Webinar), Hernandez, A., & Karstrand, K. (November 2020). Recorded lecture presented during 2020 ACTFL Virtual Convention.

A Two-Way Alliance: How Technology Empowers Learners, Giorgini-Althoen, S. (November 2020). Webinar lecture presented during 2020 ACTFL Virtual Convention.

Let’s Talk about Identity, Diversity, and Equity in Language Class!, Long, T., Sui, L., & Tseng, C.H. (November 2020). Recorded lecture presented during 2020 ACTFL Virtual Convention.

Connect in a Virtual World with Video-Based Assignments, Dillion, C., & Reynolds, M. (November 2020). Webinar lecture presented during 2020 ACTFL Virtual Convention.

Virtual Reality and Language Teacher: Prospects and Challenges, Cnteno, D., D’Alessandro-Merii, K., Kearney, E., & Zhai, L. (November 2020). Webinar lecture presented during 2020 ACTFL Virtual Convention.

Proficiency and Virtual or Hybrid Engagement, Bricker, E., Rogers, D., & Rube, J.H. (November 2020). Webinar lecture presented during 2020 ACTFL Virtual Convention.

Online or Onsite: Virtually Seamless Continuous Integration, Gaab, C. (November 2020). Webinar lecture presented during 2020 ACTFL Virtual Convention.

Interpreting for Language Deprivation: A Mindset Shift, Sanzo, K. (October 2020). Webinar lecture presented through Zoom.

Queering the Schoolhouse: LGBTQ+ Inclusion for Educators (September 2020). The University of Colorado. Online course taken on Coursera.org.

Community Organizing for Social Justice (September 2020). University of Michigan. Online course taken on Coursera.org.

Indigenous Canada (September 2020). University of Alberta. Online course taken on FutureLearn.com.

What Does It Mean to be Human? An Introduction to the Humanities (August 2020). University of Newcastle Australia. Online course taken on FutureLearn.com.

An Introduction to Sociolinguistics: Accents, Attitudes, and Identity (August 2020). University of York. Online course taken on FutureLearn.com.

Sign Language: Emergence and Evolution (July 2020). Georgetown University. Online course taken on edx.com.

Digital Wellbeing (June 2020). University of York. Online course taken on FutureLearn.com.

New to Online: Essentials Part 1, Getting Started (2020, March) Online training took on OnlineLearningConsortium.org

REFERENCE

 Publishing scholarly work has been my goal since I obtained my master’s degree in 2019. Due to the pandemic, the teaching-focused nature of my current institution, and its ongoing financial challenges, I haven’t had the opportunity to engage in research until recently.

Artificial Signing Space: Three-Point Filming
I have completed the first draft of an article and aim to have it published in Language Learning & Technology. I plan to publish a follow-up article with data showing whether three-point perspectives help signers form their signing space while acquiring ASL. I hypothesize that augmented and virtual reality will benefit ASL students in their language learning in many ways—for example, by enhancing their understanding of mapping, directional verbs, and even side-by-side conversations.

At the Intersections: Queering Deaf Spaces with ASL Education and Deaf Education
I am collaborating with Michael E. Skyer and Leah R. Oakes from the University of Tennessee to explore: 1) How Queer Deaf individuals develop and disseminate ASL signs, linguistic constructs, and related knowledge about the intersection of queerness and deafness. 2)What politics and pedagogies support or hinder the lifeways of Queer Deaf individuals and communities. Our poster has been accepted at two conferences: the American College Educators for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing conference and the American Sign Language Teachers Association conference. While we are preparing to publish our current findings, we are also continuing to collect qualitative data.