1. University of Maryland
Exploring Natural user interfaces for stem learning in a mixed reality environment
Melika abolhassani Daniel Apon Seokbin KanG
Jinfeng Rao Zehua Zeng
University of Maryland

2. Introduction
Mixed Reality (MR) is a computing paradigm where digital information is visually displayed “on top of” the user’s view of the world.
Think: GOOGLE GLASS
Past research confirms MR-technologies’ efficacy in improving general-purpose learning – but STEM learning has not been fully explored!

3. Proposed Research We ask: Proposed Deliverables:
What happens in the teaching and learning process – of STEM-based topics – when MR is used in the K-12 classroom?
How can MR help with specific educational objectives, e.g. teaching programming to kids?
Proposed Deliverables:
Study of useful, natural user interfaces in STEM learning environments
Development and evaluation of MR prototypes for STEM-based learning

4. Intellectual Merit
Interdisciplinary: MR technical design led by state-of-the-art in the pedagogical and behavioral psychology research fields
Application-driven exploration in the MR design space
Fresh approach toward (notoriously difficult) STEM educational outcomes

5. Broader Impacts
Introduce a new generation of American children to computer science and other STEM topics, in an exciting and immerse learning experience
Improved tech awareness and digital collaboration skills of students
After initial design costs: Correcting or updating the MR learning interface is less costly than any entirely-real-world learning environment

6. Time, Costs, and Long-term Planning
Our initial Proposed Project:
Two-year timespan
Budget: $250,000 (for researcher salary, equipment, software licenses)
Research conducted by three Ph.D. students and one post-doc
Our long-term Sustainability Plan:
Low-cost software licensing to K-12 schools to fund ongoing technical support and R&D

7. Thank You! Questions?