Kinoo Beam Reader and Learning System

The research team will develop a prototype in Phase I that will include a handheld wand with a camera that scans and reads children's books aloud, and then uses artificial intelligence to reinforce literacy development through activities and games designed to augment the learning associated with the pictures and words in the books. At the end of Phase I, a pilot study will include 5 children ages 3 to 7 in preschool or home settings. The researchers will examine if the prototype functions as intended when used by children, if children are engaged during sessions and want to use the prototype during multiple sessions, and if parents and early learning practitioners report that children are having a meaningful literacy learning experience.