Along with the Texas A&M Institute for Technology-Infused Learning (TITIL), the ELRC is conducting a National Science Foundation project titled Broadening Participation for Remote Communities: Situated Distance-Telepresence Mentoring through Embodied Communication.
This work focuses on the use of telepresence robotics and augmented reality to support hands-on distance mentoring. Four design-implement-test-deploy-evaluate cycles are utilized to learn whether and how powerful multimodal language to support explanation and mentoring may be mediated over distance through the designs.
In addition to in-lab workshops to test each design version, the project will deploy the finalized design of each cycle in Career and Technology Education (CTE) classes in three rural high schools. The CTE classes will combine maker-based skills and knowledge with engineering principles of manufacturing to produce learning kits for their local elementary school.