home - login - register

PERC 2021 Abstract Detail Page

Previous Page  |  New Search  |  Browse All

Abstract Title: Interactions between physics and design students: developing a community of practice in a virtual, informal space
Abstract: The need for physicists to work with others outside of the discipline of physics has become more prominent due to the growing necessity of interdisciplinary subjects and careers. While this need exists, there are few opportunities for physics students to gain collaborative experiences and skills. This study seeks to investigate the ways in which the interactions between students from different disciplines within a virtual environment affect the formation of a community of practice. We collected qualitative data in the form of interviews and written responses from a team of four undergraduate students, two of which study physics, and two that study graphic design. These data record the students' experiences as they work together to develop a public engagement project aimed at combining physics with art and design. Using a Communities of Practice framework to analyze these data, we are able to characterize how a community of practice formed and how the students developed shared goals along with group norms and relevant skills.
Abstract Type: Contributed Poster Presentation
Session Time: Poster Session 1 Room A
Poster Number: 1A-18

Author/Organizer Information

Primary Contact: Raymond Smith
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48823
Co-Author(s)
and Co-Presenter(s)
Brean Prefontaine, Michigan State University
Pranav Nalamwar, Michigan State University
Kathleen Hinko, Michigan State University
Dena Izadi, Michigan State University