Title: Implementing Mixed Reality for Inclusive and Embodied Learning Experience (IMRIEL)

Host: Northern Illinois University and Indiana University

Desc: This project aims to provide an innovative mixed-reality environment that will combine a physically embodied humanoid robot and augmented reality (AR), where children in K-2 will engage in computational tasks embedded in their play with the robot. Through this hands-on experience, children will understand the concepts of sequences and symbols that are crosscutting and foundational to STEM literacy and problem solving. Also, grounded in embodied cognition and culturally responsive/sustainable pedagogy, this environment will invite every child equitably to AR-enhanced play with a robot playmate that is free from judgments and social biases, enabling children’s positive affect about working with and on such cutting-edge technologies. Also, for this development research, advanced sensor technology will unobtrusively measure children’s multimodal behaviors to assess children’s learning and affect authentically.