b'ABSTRACTSDepartment of Adult and Career EducationSupporting Adult Learners Online Engagement through Next Generation Digital Learning EnvironmentsPeter O. BurginSponsor: Dr. BondThe purpose of this study is to explore the factors, methodology, and technology to appropriately support online student engagement.Previous research has identified that, while virtual courses can have equal or greater efficacy, their learners frequently have lower rates of engagement than their in-classroom peers. This study examines the link between engagement and principles of andragogy to establish the importance of the former to improved learning outcomes. Interactions between learners, learners and the instructor, and learners and the content are factors of engagement. Additional technological tools can be used to create a variety of opportunities for interaction. However, learning management systems and current course design methodology present a number of challenges to interaction and engagement. The outcome of this research is that next-generation digital learning environments (NGDLE) better support learning outcomes on both a technical and methodological level. The modular nature of NGDLE components allows for more interactive learning activities and opportunities for engagement while building off the current architecture.Africana StudiesThe Appropriation of Black Aesthetics in the Music IndustryDom A. PollardSponsor: Dr. LovettBlack culture has become a topic when discussing different facets of society; one being its re-packaging through non-Black music artists and labeled pop culture.In this study, I will be examining the concept of cultural appropriation as well as it pertains to not only Black artists but non-Black artists and Black-influenced genres.I will take a closer look at the incorporation of Black aesthetics appropriated by non-Black artists, and their reasoning behind doing so. A content analysis involving 12 non-Black artists from two genres (R&B and Hip Hop) will be performed, spanning from 2000-2009 and 2010-2019. With this content analysis, I will be identifying changes between their initial start in the industry and their image later in their careers noting changes their physical appearance, lyricism, and music styles.12'