The 2022-2023 David Letterman Learning Experience 

Written by: Steven Donahoe

The second-year EMDD project teams have hit the ground running as they forge ahead into their final semester in the program. The David Letterman Learning Experience (DLLE) team includes low-residency students Ruthie Grigoletti and Jennifer Criss and on-campus students Alexis Miller, Hayley Burris, Lydia Bertsch, Anshika Singh, Hailey Leonard, and Zainab Aamir. The DLLE is an annual project that tackles a new opportunity space each year, often inspired in some way by David Letterman, Ball State’s most notable alum.

The opportunity: Inspired by a quote from an interview with Dave — “we are all the same,” — the DLLE team decided to explore how to foster connections among Ball State students and alumni. Many students on college campuses can feel isolated, despite being surrounded by thousands of peers. This project seeks to show college students that their differences are fewer than their similarities.

The research: The group first dove into academic research to examine how to create a sense of belonging, how shared experiences affect people, and how immersive technologies like extended reality (XR) might foster a sense of connection and presence. They also interviewed BSU alumni and current undergraduate and graduate students to gain a clearer understanding of how best to engage the BSU community.

The solution: Based on this research, the DLLE team is developing several innovative storytelling platforms, including an augmented reality (AR) app, an interactive touchscreen wall, and a social media campaign. Through the app, users will explore Ball State history through an AR experience that allows them to scan campus landmarks and learn more about them. Users will see how campus has evolved, explore BSU traditions, and learn more about notable Ball State alums. Through the interactive touch wall passersby will explore stories contributed by members of the Ball State community. Stories will highlight the experiences that make being a Cardinal unique. Finally, both platforms will be promoted through a robust social media storytelling campaign. Follow the DLLE on Instagram and Facebook.