Purpose: Research shows that children from underserved backgrounds experience a word deficit by age three, and that this disparity leads many children to be academically and emotionally unprepared for kindergarten. Innovative, cost-effective approaches can support early literacy development and development, with the potential to provide equitable access to diverse populations. In this project, researchers will develop a prototype literacy program for children ages 3 to 7, designed to meet the needs of all children, including those in underserved populations. Project Activities: 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. Video Demonstration of the Phase I Prototype: https://youtu.be/tdzd-n3Zs0E
