Emerging media are deeply ingrained in Ball State’s
academic and
immersive learning experiences, our
research, and our
outreach efforts.
Here are some stories of our successes so far to illustrate how emerging media fit into much of what we do:
- Our researchers have pioneered ways to observe consumers interacting with sources of information. How often do they use their cell phone to update their Facebook page while they watch Cardinals football on national TV? Do they actually look at the crawls and logos on a TV screen? Impressed by our methods, the Nielsen-funded Council for Research Excellence commissioned the Center for Media Design to conduct a $3.5 million, yearlong study into how consumers use video.
- Through an immersive learning experience, students from several majors are customizing interactive news and advertising for TVs, cell phones, and other modes of communication.
- Our innovators include experts in electronic art and information technology who have been honored by Campus Technology magazine for their pursuit of emerging media.
- Our Biomechanics Laboratory used motion capture technology to study the movements of a master bassist and help student golfers perfect their swings.
- We're on the forefront of wireless technology, studying how to expand WiMAX into rural and underserved areas. The goal: high-speed Internet access even when you're in a passenger in a car, bus, or train.
- Entertainment reaches the next level through the movie My Name is Jerry and with webisode series Evenly Odd, allowing fans new ways to control their viewing experiences.
- Special outreach programs spread history, science, and culture throughout the world.
- Architecture gets a high-tech boost through a virtual studio in Second Life, where international students are designing a real building, and digital fabrication, which aids in the reuse of scrap limestone and other materials.
- One of our journalism faculty members is teaming up with an MIT physicist to use emerging technologies to more effectively teach students about scientific phenomena such as electricity and magnetism.
- Nursing students get hands-on practice in Second Life, where volunteers use their avatars (online personas) in simulations, and nurses at Ball Memorial Hospital become familiar with their new facilities before they even open.
- Ball State students taking part in an immersive learning experience create and package sports stories for use on radio, television, and the Internet.