Digital Diversity (dDEI) Lab
Diverse Technologies, for Diverse Peoples
About Digital Diversity Lab
Our Story
This lab and its projects started from a desire to bridge the Digital Divide. As a Jamaican immigrant, Dr. Kimberley Hemmings-Jarrett left a “developing country” to live in a “developed country” and quickly realized the differences in technologies between the countries. Many individuals like herself have struggled with crossing the divide read more on Google Scholar. This coupled with her background in Information Systems motivated her to look deeper at the divisions that exist between access and aptitude regarding different technologies and the implications to equity and inclusion, hence dDEI.
However, it was not until 2022 that Dr. Hemmings-Jarrett, began teaming with interdisciplinary professors and students from varying socio-technical backgrounds and together focused their attention on emerging technologies, specifically Virtual Reality.
What we do?
To date we have created tutorials for integrating virtual reality in classroom and research activities and are actively training student, staff and external stakeholders on creating and using VR content, allowing for greater accessibility and inclusion of previously digitally marginalized people/communities.
Our projects have included building VR content to promote various UN sustainability goals and partnering with international universities to engage students in VR travel abroad experiences and collaborating in new curriculum and platform development.
Why we do it?
Although the work is still in its infancy, the team is intent on bridging the gap between what we call the digitally privileged (those who are experienced with technology) and the digitally marginalized (those who lack experience with the technology). Ideally, narrowing this divide will encourage more equitable participation in a society and economy that is greatly dependent on technology.
The Latest Project
Augmented Reality Game
"Anasi Goes Abroad" is a Augmented Reality (AR) game that brings storytelling to life through technology and culture. As players progress through the game, they unlock real-life stories from Penn State Abington professors, showcasing their diverse cultural experiences during study abroad journeys. At the heart of the game is Anasi, a character inspired by African and Caribbean folklore, who guides the players through the different cards. The game is designed to promote cultural awareness in an engaging and entertaining way. It encourages players to explore global perspectives while enjoying a unique gaming experience.
QR Code
To start, players have to scan the QR code, then allow Camera Access to be able to use the AR feature.
Game Cards
Players interact with the game by scanning special cards, each representing a different country. After scanning a card, players learn about unique cultural traditions from that region.
Demo of Using the Game
Watch to see how to play the game!
Meet our faculty mEntors
Dr. Kimberley Hemmings-Jarrett
Human-centered, grounded-theorist, focused on deepening our understanding of and application to topics related to Digital Diversity (also known as the Digital Divide) and its potential impact on the future digital economy.
Dr. Katrina Black Reed
Dr. Black Reed's research focuses on the role of out-of-school time programs in promoting justice-oriented youth in marginalized populations and how these programs can foster social consciousness and positive development. Contact me to help you develop your next qualitative projects that include Photo Narration, Photo Elicitations or Photo Voice.
Meet Our Current Members
Liya Aji
Kayli Nunez
Kayli Nunez
I am Liya Aji, a sophomore undergraduate student from Penn State Abington majoring in Information Technology and specializing in business applications. This research was an amazing opportunity to expand my knowledge and technical skills in programming languages and learning about Augmented Reality in regard to gaming and gamification. Through this experience, I will continue to grow and expand my skills to explore different career paths in IT and apply my knowledge in various job role.
Kayli Nunez
Kayli Nunez
Kayli Nunez
Hi! I’m Kayli Nunez, an undergraduate student at Penn State University at Abington majoring in Project and Supply Chain Management with a minor in Management Information Systems. Being part of this research project has helped me grow both academically and socially. I’m so proud to work alongside other you d intelligent women, it’s been such an inspiring experience. I’ve also had a lot of fun learning about different technologies, like AR and VR, and exploring how they can be used in creative and meaningful ways. Coming together to create tools and experiences for other students has been incredibly motivating and truly heartwarming.
Hasini Jagarlamudi
Hasini Jagarlamudi
Hasini Jagarlamudi
Hi, I’m Hasini, a rising sophomore majoring in Finance with a minor in international business. I’m really excited to be a part of this research program because it gives me the chance to explore areas outside of my major. I’ve always been interested in data and the importance of research, so this has been a great give to learn. Through this project, we’ve been learning about Augmented Reality (AR) in a fun and creative way by helping create a game. I’m really grateful for the experience and everything I learned by being a part of this amazing team!
Raoda Haque
Hasini Jagarlamudi
Hasini Jagarlamudi
Hello, I am Raoda! I’m a rising sophomore currently exploring Business and IT at Penn State Abington. I recently joined the team, being drawn by how this project combines elements of both business management and augmented reality. As I continue working on this research project, it will provide me with real-world experience in both fields, helping me further explore and develop my skills in Business and IT. I also look forward to spreading cultural awareness and gaining exposure on what it is like building a video game from scratch!
Meet our Previous TEam mEMBERS
Sahana
I am Sahana Elangovan, an undergraduate student from Penn State majoring in health policy and administration. This research was an excellent opportunity for me to expand my knowledge in virtual reality by learning about the device and understanding forthcoming Web 3.0. I also worked with a graduate student from Jamaica for VR in leisure, where I also learned about another culture. This research, on the whole, was a spectacular learning journey for me.
Sarah
Sarah Johnson is a sophomore studying Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences at Penn State Abington. She has worked on an undergraduate research project surrounding the Digital Divide and VR Technology for two years now. She previously presented on digital diversity using 360-degree photo narration, how the United Nations Sustainability Goals tie into digital diversity and virtual reality (VR) technology, as well as what the digital divide looks like at Penn State Abington. She is currently working with her undergraduate professors as well as her co-researchers to continue to explore digital diversity using VR technology.
Jayani
Jayani Jayakanthan is a rising third-year student majoring in Management at The Pennsylvania State University. She is a student leader on campus and is deeply interested in digital equality versus digital equity. As a student researcher, she collaborates with Penn State staff and students to explore the Virtual Reality Digital Paradigm and the Equitable Participation and Preparation for Web 3.0 Digital Economy, which found that different tiers of VR devices provide similar learning experiences for students in classroom environments. This work aims to influence university policy-making decisions to implement VR devices as part of class curriculums to ensure students' preparedness for the fourth industrial revolution in which technologies move from non-immersive to immersive technology. Jayani enjoys discussing equity in other aspects of education as well and engaging in stimulating discussions surrounding these topics.