Graduate Studies

I began my graduate studies in the fall of 2004 at SFSU as an interdiscplinary social science major.
Wanted to be able to somehow combine my interest in sociology, linguistics, sign language, interpreting and cinema. I though that going the interdisciplinary route would allow me the freedom to map out my own unique course of study. As interesting as it started out it logistically wasn’t a viable option. The courses I wanted to take happened to be in departments that were impacted by budget cuts or that had limited graduate offerings. Not being a major of that department I had problems registering for the courses in advance. While searching for a video production course that didn’t require me to be a major of that department I append upon ITEC 770, Video Production I and that introduced me to the ITEC department. As I discovered ways to apply education., learning and technology to my current field of sign language interpreting I officially transferred to the ITEC department in fall 2005 and plan to graduate in Spring of 2008.

ITEC 894 Creative Work Project

"Instructional Technology and Sign Language Interpreter Training:
The Transition from Analog to Digital."

Video analysis of one’s work is an integral component of sign language interpreter training. Most interpreter training programs (ITPs) have a language lab component to their curriculum for students to be able to record and review their practice translations. Using the Ohlone College Interpreter Preparation Program (IPP) in Fremont, California as a case study, this project explores and documents how an ITP transitions from analog to digital video technologies. Like many other training programs, Ohlone has used analog-based VHS equipment since it first became available on a consumer level. Now that digital video technologies are more prevalent and accessible the Ohlone IPP is interested in exploring these new resources. Ohlone IPP is transitioning its language lab from analog to digital with Apple's Intel iMac. This consumer-level computer with built-in video camera and range of basic audio and video applications make it a viable choice as the foundation of their new language lab. Designing and implementation of an inservice training for both instructors and students is an integral component to the lab redesign.

The goals of this project include: redesign of lab infrastructure (hardware, software and furniture), and design and implementation training to guide the instructors and students on how to use the new equipment and workflow. The training consists of an instructor led workshop and a multimedia tutorial. The instructional content is based on current analog practices adapted for a digital environment, already existing applicable tutorials, and information gleaned from other ITP labs using similar technologies.

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