ALEC: Audio Learning and English Companion; Unraveling the Titanic Disaster: An Actor-Network Theory Perspective

My technical project and my STS research are grounded in the principles of actor network theory (ANT), which views sociotechnical outcomes as the result of interactions between human and non-human actors. In my technical project, my team and I developed an offline language-learning tool that relies on a carefully constructed network of actors, including microcontrollers, keyboards, speakers, and children as users, to deliver accessible English education in under-resourced settings. Similarly, my STS research uses ANT to explain how the sinking of the Titanic was not caused by a single failure, but by the complex interplay of human decisions and material actors. Both projects highlight how technology's success or failure depends not just on its design, but on the stability and coordination of the networks on which it operates.

My technical work, Audio Learning and English Companion (ALEC) is an offline, interactive educational tool designed to help non-native English-speaking children improve their vocabulary and listening comprehension skills. The system integrates a custom-built keyboard, speaker, and LCD screen, all controlled by an STM32 microcontroller, to guide users through language exercises without the need for internet access. All embedded software was written in C. To ensure smooth interaction across hardware components, my team and I built a tightly coordinated network of embedded systems, linking audio playback, user input, visual feedback, and language selection into a unified experience. Children select their native language, hear a word spoken aloud, and type its English translation, receiving real-time feedback through audio and visual cues. Designed with accessibility and engagement in mind, ALEC offers a low-cost, child-friendly solution to language learning in under-resourced environments.

In my STS research paper, I argue that the sinking of the Titanic was not the result of a single failure, but rather a breakdown within a complex sociotechnical network involving both human and non-human actors. Using actor network theory as my analytical framework, I examine how interactions between individuals like Joseph Ismay, Jack Phillips, and the ship’s designers, and material elements such as the iceberg, steel hull, and wireless system, collectively contributed to the disaster. By highlighting the interdependence of these actors, my analysis shows that the tragedy emerged from a fragile and unstable network, where disruptions in communication, design limitations, and overlooked warnings ultimately led to catastrophic failure of the Titanic.

Working on these two projects greatly added value to both my technical and analytical development. My technical project required me to think carefully about how human users, microcontrollers, hardware components, and software all interact within a cohesive system, essentially constructing a real-world actor network. At the same time, applying actor network theory in my STS research gave me a deeper understanding of how the success or failure of a system depends on the stability and coordination of its actors. Each project deepened my appreciation for the other, reinforcing the importance of viewing engineering problems through both technical and sociotechnical lenses.

School of Engineering and Applied Science

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

Technical Advisor: Todd DeLong

STS Advisor: Benjamin Laugelli

Technical Team Members: Andrew Vithoulkas, Molly Gibson, Phi Lu