Connecting Languages and Culture Through Augmented Reality Education

Agents of Discovery is committed to engaging Spanish speakers and ensuring that children and their families can access and engage with educational content in their first language. The promotion of linguistic diversity and inclusion through the use of translation has been crucial for the engagement of a wider audience in partner sites in states like California, and Texas and in countries like Costa Rica.

Embracing Bilingual Education

As discussed by Eliezer Nieves-Rodriguez in Legacy en Español – which is the new Spanish version of the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) magazine including Spanish speakers in interpretation, education, and outdoor activities, is a much-needed step that has fostered a deep respect and promotion of Hispanic culture at NAI’s interpreter programs. This is an exemplary model of inclusive education to follow.

The acknowledgment of cultural and linguistic diversity for its users is evident in the Agents of Discovery Augmented Reality (AR) App and Mission Maker platform, which are available in English, Spanish, and French. Its current language localization feature is a tool that allows a wider audience to connect and learn. With plans to expand and add around 11 more languages, they are committed to inclusivity and the engagement of a larger multicultural audience.

Inclusive Content in the Mission Maker

The versatility of Agents of Discovery’s platform lies not just in its bilingual content but in how partners have the total freedom to design their content to be culturally relevant and engaging for Hispanic speakers.

Thanks to Agents of Discovery, educational Missions by partners such as BART, the City of LA, Metro Parks Tacoma, Madera County Library, Houston Parks Board, and more, currently provide fully bilingual Missions that incorporate elements that resonate with Hispanic users. This approach can enhance their educational experience and can promote cultural awareness and sensitivity among a diverse user base.

Smokey Bear 3.0 in Spanish

The Smokey Bear Mission in SoCal is a great case study on successful efforts towards focusing on engaging Spanish speakers, as briefly discussed in an article by LA Parent. Not only has it enabled a multicultural audience to learn more about wildfire safety, but it also made a statement of inclusion to many children and families by providing them with this essential life-changing educational experience allowing them to play from home and in parks.