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Sulakna Karunaratna's Master Thesis Exam (12/10)
by Lee, Sang Won 09 Dec '24

09 Dec '24

Hi, You are cordially invited to Sulakna Karunaratna's MS thesis exam. I've included the details below. Best, Sang Won Lee When/Where 12/10/2024(Tuesday) 3 PM-5 PM The Gilbert Place Room 3211 Committee Sang Won Lee (Co-chair) Koeun Choi (Co-chair) Yan Chen Title: When Less Can Be More: Evaluating the Impact of Animated and Interactive Demonstrations in Voice-Assisted Counting Games for Young Children Abstract: Early experiences with counting form a critical foundation for children’s numeracy development. Despite the increasing use of voice assistants in young children's math learning, the effectiveness of different levels of demonstration—animated and interactive—accompanied by these assistants remains unclear. This study examines how different demonstrations in touchscreen devices, combined with voice assistants, supported children’s developing counting skills. We developed a tablet counting game for children aged 2-4 years, incorporating voice assistant counting. In a user study with 32 children, we compared two conditions (animated and interactive demonstrations), with each condition also being evaluated against a baseline. We found that animated demonstrations improved math performance compared to the baseline, while interactive demonstrations did not. These findings suggest that counting with voice assistants has the potential to support early counting experiences and highlight the importance of designing educational technology with appropriate levels of demonstration to engage young learners without increasing cognitive overload.

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FW: Alternative Break Recruitment
by Kinder-Potter, Sharon 05 Dec '24

05 Dec '24

From: Sable, Jett <jettls24(a)vt.edu> Sent: Thursday, December 5, 2024 4:52 PM To: Brown, Kay <bkedean(a)vt.edu> Subject: Alternative Break Recruitment Hello all, Hope everyone enjoyed their well-deserved break! I wanted to reach out with a wonderful opportunity for students. My name is Jett Sable, and I run the Alternative Break<https://engage.vt.edu/programs/alternative_breaks.html> program for VT Engage. We still have a few spots open for our Columbia, South Carolina Alternative Break trip and also for two trips in the spring. Please share the blurb below with your students. I am open to any questions you may have. Thank you so much, and happy holidays!! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Want to do something fun and rewarding over winter break or spring break? Look no further! Sign up to participate in an Alternative Break. These trips<https://baseline.campuslabs.com/vpiasu/ab25> are designed to connect students with community members through engaging in experiential service and learning opportunities. All students are welcome to register regardless of major (undergraduate AND graduate). Cost estimates include transportation, lodging, and food for the entire trip. Travel grant applications are available to assist with funding! There is more information below, and please reach out to Jett Sable (jettls24(a)vt.edu<mailto:jettls24@vt.edu>) with any questions or concerns. Winter Break Jan 11-18, 2025 * Richland County Public Defender Office - Columbia, South Carolina * Estimated Cost: $350 * Poverty criminalization has further stigmatized unhoused people and those struggling with economic distress throughout Richland County, SC. Through this experience, students will support the efforts of the public defender's office by assisting with code-enforcement projects while also learning about the court system through observations and guided reflection. This is a wonderful opportunity for any students that are pre-law to put their learning into practice, but all students are welcome! Apply here<https://baseline.campuslabs.com/vpiasu/ab25>. Spring Break March 8-15 * James River State Park - Gladstone, Virginia * Estimated Cost: $150 * On this trip, participants will learn more about conservation of the Virginia State Parks system. Day-to-day activities will include light maintenance projects, trail construction/maintenance/ rehabilitation, habitat restoration, and other projects identified by the State Park staff. Activities may require some light lifting and easy to moderate hiking abilities. Participants will be outside for long periods of time. If you are passionate about the environment, this trip is for you! * Conserving Carolina - Hendersonville, North Carolina * Estimated Cost: $350 * Conserving Carolina is opening new parks and trails, spearheading a 100+ mile trail network, and connecting people to the great outdoors. On this trip, participants will work to provide hurricane Helene relief, engage in building trails, and restore wildlife habitats. Activities may require some light lifting and easy to moderate hiking abilities. Participants will be outside for long periods of time. If you are passionate about the environment, this trip is for you! If interested in leading a trip in the future, please reach out to Jett Sable (jettls24(a)vt.edu<mailto:jettls24@vt.edu>). Best, Jett Jett Sable, (He/Him) Engagement Coordinator VT Engage: The Center for Leadership & Service Learning | Virginia Tech Schedule a meeting with me here <https://calendly.com/jettsable/30min> jettls24(a)vt.edu<mailto:jettls24@vt.edu> | (540) 231-2078 | https://engage.vt.edu/ Woo | Ideation | Restorative | Positivity | Empathy

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CS6604 CRN 22081: CS pedagogy
by Farghally, Mohammed 04 Dec '24

04 Dec '24

Dear CS graduate students, Are you planning for a future in academia? Curious about how to improve your teaching and presentation skills needed for a CS faculty position? Looking for an elective course for the graduate school's "Future Professoriate<https://graduateschool.vt.edu/transformative-graduate-education-experience/…>" certificate? This Spring, I’m excited to offer CS6604: Adv Topics in Data (CS Pedagogy), a unique course designed for CS graduate students like you. Here’s what you’ll get: * Apply Effective Teaching Strategies: Learn how to design and deliver engaging lectures, use active learning techniques, and apply the latest in instructional technology. * Explore Learning Theories: Understand how students learn, how to create engaging lectures, and how to promote an inclusive and motivating classroom environment. * Prepare for the Academic Job Market: Craft compelling teaching, research, and diversity statements and get ready for interviews. * Dive into CS Education Research: Explore methods to study and improve CS learning experiences, with insights into publishing your findings. Whether you’re considering a career in academia or simply want to enhance your teaching and presentation skills, this course will give you what you need. The course is now open for registration on HokieSpa. Attached is the course flyer for more information. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at mfseddik(a)vt.edu -- _____________________________________ Mohammed F. Farghally, Ph.D. Collegiate Assistant Professor Virginia Tech | Department of Computer Science 1220B Torgersen Hall, Blacksburg, VA, 24061 mfseddik(a)vt.edu<mailto:mfseddik@vt.edu> | (540) 231 - 6044 http://people.cs.vt.edu/mfseddik [https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/mail-sig/AIorK4xqud6nkWyvhmhp7aVBEgn5o8KH…]

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Fw: Agenda| Meeting Mins | Announcements
by Moussad, Bernard 04 Dec '24

04 Dec '24

Hi everyone, Here are some announcements from GPSS! Just a heads up, there is a GPSS senate meeting tomorrow (12-5-2024) at 5:30 pm. Sincerely, Bernard Moussad ________________________________ From: Murphy, Quiyana <qmurphy(a)vt.edu> Sent: Wednesday, December 4, 2024 10:38 AM To: gpss-exec-board-g(a)vt.edu <gpss-exec-board-g(a)vt.edu>; gpss-senator-g(a)vt.edu <gpss-senator-g(a)vt.edu> Cc: Surface, Lauren <lkeister(a)vt.edu>; Cotrupi, Catherine <cotrupi(a)vt.edu> Subject: [GPSS Senators] Agenda| Meeting Mins | Announcements Dear Senators, Please see GPSS related announcements below and share this email with your constituents. GPSS Announcements: 1. Upcoming GPSS Senate Meeting: Tomorrow 12-5-24 from 5:30pm - 7:00pm hybrid in the GLC MPR and over zoom<https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0oduGprj8oHdZKaxJ6rzXPYMSni…> * Sign-in Link: https://forms.office.com/r/GzPt0hSFTZ * This week's agenda can be found in the attached documents. * Invite others to our meetings by sharing our meeting flyer (see attached). * We need 40 senators to show up at every meeting for us to be able to reach quorum and get our work done. Your presence matters: sometimes we are only short by one or two people. Please send a proxy if you can't attend a senate meeting. 2. See the meeting minutes and slides from last week's meeting in the attached document. 3. GPSS End-of-Semester Social: December 8 (Sunday), 4:30pm @ GLC Graduate Student Lounge (see flyer) * Join us for dinner and the opportunity to mingle and network with graduate and professional students from diverse backgrounds. Take this time to offer support to one another as we wrap up the semester! RSVP required: https://forms.office.com/r/MenhnBkpbN. (Please note the updated date and time) 4. GPSS Committee & Commission Members Meeting and Mixer with the Exec-board @ University Club(Upcoming - now scheduled for early Spring) 5. GPSS senators - sign up for committees/commissions here if you have not already: https://forms.office.com/r/xDs5j3pwMq Best, [signature_1776432225] Quiyana Murphy PhD Candidate, Mathematics Director of Communications, GPSS<http://gpss.vt.edu/> | gpss(a)vt.edu<mailto:gpss@vt.edu> Get in Touch with the GPSS<https://forms.office.com/r/JbGR3r5nku>

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Fw: Seeking Graduate Student for a GRA Position
by McPherson, David 04 Dec '24

04 Dec '24

Hello Grad Students, Please see the attached flyer for a possible GRA position with the library. Please contact Yinlin Chen, ylchen(a)vt.edu, with any questions. Dave McPherson -- David McPherson dmcphers(a)vt.edu 540-231-3153 1220A Torgersen Hall ________________________________ From: Chen, Yinlin <ylchen(a)vt.edu> Sent: Wednesday, December 4, 2024 10:39 AM To: McPherson, David <dmcphers(a)vt.edu> Cc: Chen, Yinlin <ylchen(a)vt.edu> Subject: Seeking Graduate Student for a GRA Position Hi David, Hope all is well with you! I am currently seeking a graduate student for a GRA position for the Spring 25 semester. Could you please help distribute this information to the graduate students? Thank you very much! Regards, Yinlin

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Last Grad Council Meeting of the Semester in 30 minutes!
by Woo, Wesley 04 Dec '24

04 Dec '24

Hi Everyone, This is a quick reminder that our last CS Grad Council meeting of the (calendar) year is in 30 minutes (11 AM) in Gilbert Place (4th floor, Room 4001). We will discuss some ongoing issues and plan upcoming events such as PhD qualifier Q&A sessions and Office Yoga in Gilbert. Can’t make it in person? You can join via Zoom: Zoom Link<https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/87009667028>. Looking forward to seeing you there! Wesley

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Reminder: CS Grad Council Meeting This Wednesday (December 4)
by Ibn Arif, Kazi Hasan 03 Dec '24

03 Dec '24

Hi Everyone, This is a quick reminder about our next CS Grad Council meeting on Wednesday, December 4, at 11 AM in Gilbert Place (4th floor, Room 4001). We’ll discuss ongoing issues, share updates from council and GPSS representatives, and talk about upcoming events like the PhD qualifier Q&A sessions, YOGA sessions in Gilbert (yes, you heard it right!) and many more. Can’t make it in person? You can join via Zoom: Zoom Link<https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/87009667028>. Looking forward to seeing you there! Best, Hasan Secretary, CSGC 2024-25

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Special Study- The Power of Brief
by Welch, Makayla 03 Dec '24

03 Dec '24

All, please check out the attached opportunity! This would be a great course for anyone wanting to learn how to get better at presenting their work. All contact information is on the attachment, should you have any questions. Thanks! Makayla Welch Receptionist & Events Coordinator Department of Computer Science

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CS Graduate Program Newsletter: December Edition
by Eli Tilevich 02 Dec '24

02 Dec '24

Dear all, We are excited to share the December edition of the Computer Science Graduate Program Newsletter, a monthly publication of the Graduate Program Office. Best regards, Dr. T. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Eli Tilevich, Ph.D. Professor and Associate Dept. Head for Graduate Studies Gilbert Place #4204 Dept. of Computer Science Virginia Tech Zoom: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/my/tilevich (540) 231-3475 http://people.cs.vt.edu/~tilevich

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Rishith Gandham's Thesis Defense at 3pm on Wednesday 12/4/2024
by Meng, Na 02 Dec '24

02 Dec '24

Hi all, You are invited to attend Rishith’s MS thesis defense. Title: SMARTGUIDE: Revolutionizing the Depth and Dependability of Vision-Impaired Navigation Date: Wednesday, December 4th, 2024 Time: 3pm-4pm EST Location: Gilbert Place, Room 3218 Abstract: Globally, over 2.2 billion people face vision impairment, necessitating innovative solutions for safe, independent navigation. Traditional aids like canes, guide dogs, and GPS offer basic support but lack the sophistication to provide contextual understanding, precise navigation, or real-time hazard alerts. This project presents SmartGuide, a mobile app designed to enhance the independence of visually impaired users through AI-driven features. SmartGuide offers three main functions: (1) Smart Vision, using the GPT-4 Vision API to deliver spoken feedback about surroundings; (2) Navigation, combining QR code detection via YOLO with ZoeDepth for depth estimation, guiding users to destinations through the shortest path calculated by Dijkstra’s algorithm; and (3) Obstacle Detection and Alerts, where YOLO identifies obstacles, and ZoeDepth estimates their distance to inform users of potential hazards. By adapting its responses based on user feedback, SmartGuide provides personalized, reliable guidance that empowers visually impaired individuals to navigate with confidence and safety, advancing the field of accessible technology. Cheers, Na

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