New Worlds Reading AR Expeditions

The Emerging Technology Research Lab (ETRL) is leading research and co-design efforts in the ongoing New Worlds Reading AR Expeditions project. This is a dynamic collaboration with the College of Education and the Lastinger Center for Learning focused on revolutionizing literacy engagement through immersive augmented reality (AR) technology.

Our lab, and role on this project, sees us working closely with young learners, employing a participatory co-design approach that centers their perspectives and lived experiences in shaping AR content. This ensures that the interactive experiences we develop are not only engaging but also responsive and accessible, tailored specifically to motivate pupils who are emerging readers across diverse communities in Florida.

Graduate Research Assistant Irene Kao leads the data collection and mixed-methods analysis to rigorously evaluate the efficacy of AR Expeditions. We systematically measure how gamified, immersive AR environments affect students’ motivation, reading confidence, comprehension, and sustained engagement. Additionally, the project supports bilingual learners by integrating Spanish and Haitian Creole language options, promoting family involvement and making literacy learning more inclusive.

Through combining innovative technology with evidence-based research and inclusive design principles, ETRL is helping to advance literacy education. Our ongoing work contributes to developing scalable, impactful solutions that help close reading achievement gaps, foster a love of reading, and empower young learners statewide. This project exemplifies how emerging technologies can be leveraged to create transformative educational experiences that meet the needs of diverse learners in authentic contexts.