Project Overview

Objectives

Aligned with the objectives outlined in the PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) concerning digital transformation and inclusive growth, the primary goal of this project is to address the evolving challenges in education post-pandemic. It seeks to embrace novel teaching methodologies and learning strategies to adapt to the changing landscape. In essence, the aims of the project resonate with the overarching objectives of the PNRR and the EU RRF (EU Recovery and Resilience Facility), which strive to equip societies and economies with the means to effectively navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by post-pandemic digital innovation.

The project is anchored in two principal axes of the PNRR: digitalization and innovation, and social inclusion. Its core objective is to enhance access to digital and innovative learning practices through the development of ESP-XR App. This initiative not only aims to democratize learning but also emphasizes social inclusion, particularly focusing on accessibility for individuals with special needs and regional disparities.

The project operates on theoretical, methodological, and applied fronts. It aims to raise awareness about the transformative potential of new technologies, particularly augmented reality (AR), in ESP language teaching and learning. By integrating AR seamlessly into instructional frameworks, the project aims to create immersive learning experiences tailored to specific ESP contexts, thereby bridging the gap between theory and application.

From an applied perspective, the primary aim is the development of ESP-XR App as a comprehensive platform for international English language educators to collaborate, teach, and exchange knowledge. While currently focused on three ESP contexts (business, law, medicine), the application holds promise for broader implementation across various professional communication settings.

Specific educational objectives include enhancing motivation, engagement, and satisfaction through AR-enhanced tasks, improving accessibility and inclusion, fostering authenticity in language tasks, boosting performance and results, enhancing cultural awareness, promoting interactivity, stimulating creativity, and fostering reflexivity among users.

Methodology

This project operates at the intersection of several disciplines including language acquisition, linguistics, discourse analysis, psychology, pedagogy, and IT. Leveraging the diverse expertise and experience of team members across these domains, the development of the app is informed by a comprehensive approach that draws upon various theoretical models, such as relational pragmatics and multimodal-multimedial perspectives to guide the preparation of materials and activities.

Drawing on prior experience in international projects on ESP teaching and training, instructional activities are organized into testing phases. Evaluation of the app's user perception will be conducted through questionnaires administered in English to selected participants. Insights gained will inform potential adjustments to the application to enhance its effectiveness and alignment with the specific social and educational characteristics envisioned for ESP-XR App.

Key aspects to be evaluated include:

• App's ability to provide a more interactive and authentic online learning experience
• Integration of thinking skills and 21st-century competencies
• Facilitation of global language practice through culturally-specific materials
• Promotion of real-time connection in online learning
• Enhancement of accessibility and inclusivity

Deliverables

You can download the updated version of the first prototype of our Android AR application here

You can download the markers to use with our Android AR application here

Instructions

1. Use an Android tablets with features and performance suitable for AR usage.
2. Download the markers: http://esp-xr.eu/storage/markers/markers.zip
3. Download the latest version of the application in this page
4. It is recommended to print the markers just in case, with an approximate size of 9x13 cm, or at least not smaller (although they should work).
5. After downloading, access the downloads folder on your device (if it doesn’t open automatically, as it depends on the device) and start the installation.
6. If prompted, allow the application as it comes from an unrecognized developer (since it is not signed through the store).
7. Once the application is launched, a download screen will appear, followed by the device screen displaying the camera feed.
8. At this stage, the application is ready to use. Inside the app, there is an icon in the bottom right corner that opens a "User Guide" modal, which provides additional details.