Project Details
This research project is a preliminary investigation of how storytelling and technology support intercultural communication between diverse communities and institutions from a wide range of linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Toscu and Erten (2020) state that the interconnectedness among communities and institutions expressed through languages and cultures has led intercultural communication to become the basis for a wellfunctioning tomorrow. In line with the impact of globalization on the functioning of modern and plural societies, linguistic and cultural dynamics have been reshaped, evolving from merely learning languages into using languages to support intercultural learning and vice versa. However, global disruptions caused by the pandemic and other major world events have hindered the development of intercultural communication. Concurrently, the relevance of a digital agenda and studies that attest to community engagement brought about by including information and communication technologies across institutions push researchers to seek and incorporate technology-based educational tools. Our research team is developing a storytelling-based application - a personalized educational tool to develop Intercultural Communicative Competence and archive real-life stories. It provides a digitalized open space for intercultural communication, cultural learning, and language practice in communities and institutions. This pilot study will have a profound impact and a) create and sustain research scholarship partnerships that mutually benefit communities and institutions within Iowa; b) facilitate cultural awareness and nurture a sense of belonging while community families navigate their lives within Iowa and beyond; c) amplify community voices and promote respect, diversity, and inclusivity; and d) foster trustworthy friendships among communities and institutions.

We are looking for meticulous and technically skilled app/web programmers to develop an interactive application and website for this research project. The programmers' duties will include working with the research team to develop and manage the app/web performance, providing tech support, reviewing and updating existing programs, identifying and fixing defects, supporting data architecture, generating reports, and mitigating potential risks. The ideal candidate for this role must possess basic/intermediate coding skills, excellent communication, high concentration levels, good task management, and problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Essentially, the outstanding app/web programmer must enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of systems, resolve errors, and design programs that are customized to our project's needs.

Qualifications
Degree in computer science or computer programming. End user-oriented. Intermediate/Advanced knowledge of operating systems. Analytical and problem-solving skills. Java, C++, etc. experience. Deadline driven. Superior communication skills.

Time Commitment
Roughly 2-4 hours/day; 5 days/week; 10-20 hours/week, starting from Spring 2023 semester until summer ends.

Start Date
Immediate
Near future
Spring semester
Summer semester

Project Duration 
Ongoing or potential to be a continuous position

Compensation
Volunteer
Academic Credit (1-4 semester hours)
Pay

Apply by
March 2023

How to Apply
Please send CV or resume, and interest in the position or courses taken via email to: yuchen-liu-4@uiowa.edu.