GLIDE’14 CFP: Diversifying STEM (Nov 2014, online)

Dates: 12 November 2014 (streaming)
Location: online
Website: http://glideconference.org
Deadline for submission of 500-word abstracts: 15 March 2014

GLIDE (Global Interaction in Design Education) is a biennial, virtual conference that disseminates cutting-edge research on the important role of communication design within global society. The purpose of a virtual-only format is to bridge cultural and geographic divides in an eco-friendly way. The 4th GLIDE conference will stream Wednesday, November 12, 2014 starting at 8:15 AM. You are invited to submit full papers, poster papers, and online workshops on topics related to the role of communication design in diversifying science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Today, global communities continue to confront perennial issues–like hunger, HIV/AIDS, and climate change–that threaten the sustenance of humanity and its environment. Thus, there is a dire need for STEM expertise to address these issues through different cultural lens. However, the demand for STEM knowledge is currently being met with a culturally homogeneous makeup of experts arguably to the detriment of global society. GLIDE’14 will curate a showcase of refereed, full and poster papers that provide evidence-based insight on solving the problem of diversification in STEM.

GLIDE is an interdisciplinary conference. Thus, we welcome submissions from researchers, practitioners, educators and doctoral students from all disciplines that study communication design or integrate a communication design perspective in their collaborative research or projects on the global state of diversity within STEM. Potential paper topics include but are not limited to:

• The role of culturally-situated art and design in forming a bridge between students (particularly those who are underrepresented minorities) and STEM majors and careers.
• The role of communication design innovation in tearing down intellectual, cultural, and economic barriers that prevent access to STEM knowledge. Today, code is undeniably the building block of interpersonal and professional communication. It takes a variety of commercial and non-commercial forms–such as social media, smartphone applications, and MOOCs–that can facilitate more diverse interaction with STEM information.
• The visualization or design of STEM knowledge for diverse interaction within K-12 classrooms and informal learning environments for access and understanding.
• Collaborative research between communication designers, STEM experts, and other stakeholders on broadening participation in STEM through public policy on immigration and outsourcing.
• The role of communication design in enabling access to STEM by diverse communities (e.g. people with impairments, women, ethnic minorities, immigrants, and non-STEM experts).

A review panel of multidisciplinary experts selected from within the global STEM and design networks will undertake the peer review process for submissions. Successful papers will be eligible for one or more of the following at the review panel’s discretion:

• publication in the GLIDE proceedings archive
• synchronous presentation via a virtual conferencing system November 12, 2014
• asynchronous presentation via the conference’s website for open access by conference attendees and the public.

SUBMISSIONS GUIDELINES:

Submit a 500-word abstract in pdf or word format by March 15, 2014 here. Then, your proposal will undergo a review process according to the following schedule:

• Deadline for all abstract submissions: March 15
• Notification of acceptance with comments: April 15
• First draft papers due: July 15
• Notification of acceptance with comments: August 15
• Final draft papers due: September 15
• Conference presentation: November 12

For more information, visit glideconference.org or contact glideconference@gmail.com.

Audrey G. Bennett