AugmentedEF supports ND in STEM by: 

  • Focusing on helping students with executive function challenges stay focused and engaged in the classroom.
  • Creating an immersive learning experience that grabs students’ attention and helps them develop essential study skills that can be generalized elsewhere. 

Background

Augmented reality (AR) is a cutting-edge technology that seamlessly blends the virtual and physical realms, taking our perception and interaction with reality to a whole new level. Unlike virtual reality, which completely transports you to a digital world, AR overlays virtual elements onto the real world. With devices like headsets and smartphones, you can see and interact with computer-generated objects and information right in your surroundings. Students have appreciated the opportunity to work with these new systems.  

AugmentedEF aims to harness the power of AR to improve student engagement in the classroom. AR makes learning interactive, captivating, and tailored to each student’s needs. New implementations of AR involve students visualizing complex concepts in stunning 3D, playing around with virtual objects as if they were real, and collaborating seamlessly with their classmates in an augmented space.  

The co-design process of AugmentedEF is a collaborative journey that involves working closely with neurodiverse co-designers from Landmark College. Together, we bring diverse perspectives and expertise to the table, ensuring that the development of AugmentedEF is rooted in the needs and experiences of the students it aims to support. Through open dialogue, feedback sessions, and iterative design cycles, we actively involve co-designers in shaping the tool’s features, interface, and interventions. By centering the voices and insights of neurodiverse individuals throughout the process, we create a more inclusive and effective tool that truly meets the unique needs of students with executive function challenges. 

AugmentedEF‘s intuitive prompts gently guide students back on track when they lose focus, offering reminders or suggesting effective strategies to get them back on task. By continuously analyzing student data, the tool adapts and personalizes its interventions, ensuring that each student receives the tailored support they need to stay engaged and excel academically. 

As we venture further into the world of augmented reality and explore its immense potential in education, AugmentedEF seeks to explore innovative solutions aimed at supporting students with executive function issues. By seamlessly blending the digital and physical worlds, we’re creating a transformative learning experience that caters to the diverse needs of students.