In the latest episode of the Dauntless XR podcast, co-founders Lori-Lee and Sofia sit down with Dr. Sara Smith, a University of Florida professor and award-winning researcher specializing in language education and immersive technology. Dr. Smith unpacks how extended reality (XR)—including both augmented and virtual reality—is actively transforming the way people of all ages learn.

how XR Is aligned to Education theory

XR isn’t just another tech buzzword in the classroom. As Dr. Smith explains, the real magic of XR lies in its alignment with decades of learning science—especially embodied and experiential learning. Today’s XR tools are finally living up to the dream, making immersive learning both practical and powerful for educators and students alike.

Real-World Benefits for Every Age Group

Dr. Smith’s research highlights the wide-ranging impact of XR across age groups:

Young Learners: Interactive XR boosts motivation and long-term recall. Virtual teaching agents (think: a digital Dora the Explorer) make lessons memorable and fun.
Older Students: XR brings abstract STEM concepts to life, encourages collaboration, and supports hands-on, multimodal learning. High schoolers, in particular, see big gains from collaborative XR experiences.
All Learners: Across the board, XR increases engagement, motivation, and retention—making learning stick.

Accessibility: XR Beyond Expensive Headsets

Worried that XR means pricey gear? Dr. Smith busts that myth. Many XR tools run on devices you already have—tablets, smartphones, even simple cardboard VR viewers. This means immersive learning is more accessible than ever, whether you’re in a classroom or at home.

The Science: Why XR Works

XR taps into embodied learning—the idea that our brains and bodies work together to form lasting memories. By letting students experience content in context, XR makes information easier to remember and apply. For example, language learners pick up new words faster when they’re immersed in real-life scenarios.

Limitations and What to Watch Out For

Of course, XR isn’t a magic bullet. Dr. Smith points out:

XR’s effectiveness depends on thoughtful implementation and well-designed content.
More research is needed on the long-term impact of XR across full curriculums.
Teachers and curriculum designers should co-create XR content to ensure it truly supports learning goals.

AI, Gamification, and the Human Touch

AI-powered content creation is on the rise, but Dr. Smith emphasizes the need for human oversight—especially for younger students. Gamification can make learning engaging, but it works best when used intentionally and tailored to the subject matter.

Collaboration and Home Learning

XR opens up new possibilities for collaborative learning, both in classrooms and at home. Multi-user XR experiences foster teamwork, extend learning beyond school hours, and make education more engaging and personalized.

Getting Started: XR Resources for Parents & Educators

Dr. Smith’s top picks:

Explore free/open AR tools like GLARE (Kent University)
Try Google Earth VR or YouTube VR
Visit museums with XR exhibits (e.g., Planet Word Museum in DC)
Experiment with XR escape rooms or language learning apps

Top Listener FAQ from this episode

A: AI can help, but teachers and experts are essential to ensure quality, age-appropriateness, and real learning value.
A: XR shines in language learning, STEM, and any subject where visualization, collaboration, or hands-on experience adds value.
A: Start with open AR tools, check out museum exhibits, try VR apps, or visit XR escape rooms to get a feel for the technology.

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Want to Be a Guest?

If you’d like to be featured or know someone with a unique perspective on XR, drop us a note at hello@dauntlessxr.com.

How AR and VR are Shaping the Future of Education — Insights from Dr. Sara Smith