The DH Meet-Up: Podcasting and the VR Classroom Recap

Top: Rhodora Vennarucci; Bottom: Michael Hall.
Photo Submitted

Top: Rhodora Vennarucci; Bottom: Michael Hall.

The Digital Humanities Meet-Up held an event on "Podcasting and the VR Classroom" at the World Languages and Digital Humanities Studio, J.B. Hunt Transportation Center, room 207, on March 14. 

The Meet-Up featured talks by studio researchers Larissa Rocha and Michael Hall, as well as an Anchor demo by Rhodora Vennarucci, classical studies. Rocha kicked things off by talking about the podcast booth at the World Languages and Digital Humanities Studio. She went over best practices on podcasting and talked to attendees about how they can book the podcasting booth. Rocha also shared examples of how instructors have incorporated podcast assignments into their syllabi and how students can schedule a meeting to dive deeper into podcasting with tutorials. 

Vennarucci spoke to attendees about a podcasting assignment she incorporated into her course CLST 4003H: Shopping in Ancient Rome – Podcasting the Past, part of her ongoing project, "Virtual Roman Retail." The assignment, the Shop 'Til You Drop podcast, assigned students with the task of recording 20-minute podcast episodes in small groups about ancient Roman shops. Students were able to choose the genre/style of podcast they wanted to create, as well as independently delegate the group work (such as developing a script, editing, speaking, etc.) with check-ins throughout the project by Vennarucci. Students used the RODECaster Pro in the podcast booth to record their podcasts, then edited the recordings with Audacity. The final products were then uploaded through Anchor, which is now integrated into Spotify.  

Following the podcasting segment, Hall presented on the VR Classroom, formerly known as the VR Club for Language Learning, founded by them along with alumnus Jhonatan Carmona. Hall shared how VR Classroom has worked with many language sections in the department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures to bring an immersive learning experience, where students can gain valuable experience with the target language through engaging VR games - such as cooking apps, ImmerseMe, Language Lab and other applications. Hall concluded the presentation with a demonstration of one of the VR apps used by VR Classroom, with volunteer participation by Linda Jones, chair of the Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures. 

The next DH Meet-Up will be held at the World Languages and Digital Humanities Studio (JBHT 207) from 12:30-1:45 p.m. on March 28, featuring studio FLTA Alena Shestopalova and Daniela D'Eugenio (Italian). The DH Meet-Up will be titled "Izi Travel and Wakelet." 

To stay in the loop with WLLC's events, please follow WLLC's social media sites and check out WLLC's events on the U of A calendar! 

Website: http://wllc.uark.edu 

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/uark.wllc 

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/uarkwllc 

Contacts

Cheyenne Roy, assistant director
World Languages and Digital Humanities Studio
479-575-4159, ceroy@uark.edu

Headlines

Peter Ungar Chosen as Member of the National Academy of Sciences

A distinguished professor of anthropology and director of environmental dynamics, Ungar is the first U of A faculty member to be elected to the prestigious Academy.

Ag Technology Students Visit Greenway Equipment, Learn About Advances in Machinery

Members of the U of A's Agricultural Systems and Technology Club recently spent a day at the Greenway Technology Farm in Newport to learn about advances featured in John Deere tractors and machinery.

College of Education and Health Professions WE CARE Everywhere Campaign Kicks Off This Summer

Retractable scroll banners with the phrase "WE CARE Everywhere" are small enough to fit any suitcase and just waiting for your chance to shine in social media posts throughout the summer.

Staff Senators for 2024-25 Elected

Twelve newly elected staff members will begin serving the U of A staff community for three-year terms beginning July 1 on the university's Staff Senate.

Matlock Briefs Congressional Staff Regarding Crop Sustainability Research

Professor Marty Matlock briefed U.S. House of Representative and Senate staff members on research conducted by the U of A regarding the effects of management practices on crop sustainability.

News Daily