This is an expertise exchange in the Cyberlearning 2019 Expertise Exchange session

Session Leaders: Robb Lindgren, Akesha Horton, Francesco Cafaro, and Devin Balkcom

This panel will discuss current issues and future directions for learning technologies that are immersive and physically engaging, technologies that leverage theories such as embodied cognition that posit a deep connection between thinking and body action. New advances in sensor and haptic technologies are allowing for the design of learning experiences that employ augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), and robotics but there are still many open questions about how to design these technologies to achieve robust and reliable learning effects. There are also lingering questions about accessibility of these technologies, and whether they can effectively engage diverse learners.

This session will begin with short presentations by the 4 panel members. Dr. Lindgren will describe his work designing MR simulations that cue learners to enact their science ideas with hand or full-body gestures. Dr. Horton will discuss the equity, inclusion, and practicalities and challenges of integrating embodied learning technologies into faculty development. Dr. Cafaro is doing work on embodied interactions with data visualizations in museum contexts. Dr. Balkcom will discuss challenges and opportunities in teaching physical motion, including current work on technologically augmented methods for teaching sign language. After the presentations, Dr. Lindgren and Dr. Horton will moderate a full group discussion about challenges and future directions in this area of research and design. The goal is to work toward a short research report that can be shared with the community.