Experiments in the Future of Reading, or XFR for
short, playfully explores the surprising ways that new technologies may change the way we read. You can find
nine different ways to think about reading here: for example, a robotic dog that reads out loud to
you or a book you can play like an instrument.
Check out each of the displays and experiment with these ideas for yourself!
Tilty Tables
This display consists of three different tables that involve more of your body than it usually takes to
just turn pages. Find each of the three tables, write down their names, and describe your
impressions of each.
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Tilty Tables Trivia
1. One of the Tables features different languages. How many languages are there? How many of
the languages do you know? Which ones?
2. One of the Tables uses fairy tales to tell its story. What fairy tale can you find?
Hyperbolic Reader
Wow! This is a different kind of comic book! This is a story that changes - depending upon how
you read it. Investigate the story. Write down how your experience turned out.
Compare your experience to your friends. How were they the same? How were they different?
Fluid Reader
Come and check out the story of Harry the Ape. You can dive into parts of the story to learn
more. How many different ways can the story change? What were your favorite parts of the story?
Speeder Reader
Just like the name says, this display lets you speed up your reading. Some people read faster than
others, and sometimes we need to read information at different rates depending how important or
difficult it is. Try out this display. How fast can you read?
|
Trial # 1 ________ words per minute
Trial # 2 ________ words per minute |
|
What are some of the factors that influence how fast or slowly you can read and understand
what you are reading?
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2.
3.
Listen Reader
Now it's time to have a seat and read a story with a soundtrack. There are three stories in this display. Pick one
and try it out.
Story you selected:
How did you like it?
Describe the music and sound effects:
How did the sounds affect your experience?
The Reading-Eye Dog
This exhibit even has a dog that can read! There is material at the display that you can select to
have the dog read to you. You can even bring something for the dog to read with you. Try it out.
(Tip: If you bring something with you, it will work best if it is printed on the top half of the page in
black on white paper that measures 8.5" by 11" inches.)
You may have noticed that the dog has trouble with certain words. Which kinds of words does the
dog "chew up"?
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Bonus
What's the dog's name? What would you name it? Is it a him or is it a her?
What Haven't You Read Lately?
Words are everywhere we look, even when we aren't looking for them! This display shows you
just how surrounded we are with text. The display also asks us some questions about all the words
we see. Jot down some of the questions that you discovered.
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3.
What does this display make you think about all the text that we see all the time? If you were in
charge of the world would you make any changes?
Glyph-O-Scope
Can you figure out what a "glyph" is? In this display, you will discover that glyphs are tiny symbols
that contain hidden messages. Check out these secret messages. Write down what the glyphs show you:
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2.
The Reading Wall
You’ve seen writing on walls before, but this display uses technology to expand the experience. You
can learn about 10,000 years of reading history and discover some amazing things. Can you come
up with three questions that you can take home to stump your friends and family? Write down
your tricky questions - and don't forget the answers!
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