Robert Atkinson

Robert Atkinson is an Associate Professor at the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence, Arizona State University. His research focuses on educational technology, affective computing, and cognitive science, with particular emphasis on leveraging augmented reality, biometric sensors, and game-based systems to enhance learning outcomes. He explores how multimedia environments, animated pedagogical agents, and adaptive learning systems can improve STEM education, user experience, and cognitive skill acquisition.

• Developed AR tools like MantarayAR for probability education
• Conducted pioneering work on affect detection through biometric data
• Investigated instructional design principles for transitioning learners from examples to problem-solving
• Explored gender matching effects of avatars in career belief restructuring

His work bridges cognitive psychology with technology, addressing challenges in educational software design, human-computer interaction, and embodied learning. Key projects include the V-Lab mobile platform for networking education and the CritViz peer critique system for large classrooms. Atkinson's contributions span over 50 peer-reviewed publications in areas like EEG-based performance prediction, adaptive game design, and embodied mLearning frameworks.