Augmented storytelling and inclusion: Cheryl Bayer on the future of learning tech

In this episode of Chalk and Code, host Jill Foley dives into the world of immersive education with Cheryl Bayer, CEO of Living Popups, a cutting-edge company blending storytelling, augmented reality, and curriculum to engage students like never before.From her background in Hollywood to co-founding an XR startup focused on K–12 education, Cheryl shares the fascinating journey of how entertainment, empathy, and emerging tech intersect in the classroom. She unpacks what it means to build "sticky" learning experiences, how AI can enhance not replace human interaction, and why giving students agency over their learning is the key to long-term success.If you're curious about how AR/VR, gamification, and interactive characters are transforming how kids learn to read, write, and think, this conversation is a must-listen.Key Moments03:57 Childhood Dyslexia Challenges08:48 "Revamping California Education Blueprint"09:57 Impactful Literacy and Inclusivity Program13:50 Dashboard Simplification in Various Fields19:30 Engaging Education Through Historical Immersion20:23 "Transformative Education Access Initiative"24:19 Addressing Mental Health in Real-Time27:05 App Design for Audience Engagement32:48 Revamping Boring Audio Tours34:05 Colosseum's Vibrant Past Unveiled40:27 "Persistence in Business Leadership"41:40 "Rediscovering the Lunch Break"Why You’ll Love This EpisodeThis episode flips the script on how we think about engagement in education.You’ll hear how Cheryl Bayer applies lessons from the entertainment industry to educational design—and why her team builds XR experiences that are not just cool, but cognitively meaningful. Whether you’re an educator, technologist, or parent navigating the noisy world of edtech, this episode offers clarity on what immersive learning should be and how to use AI and AR in ways that are human-first, not just high-tech.Cheryl also shares:Why the future of literacy depends on interactivityHow Living Popups balances curriculum standards with creative freedomWhat public-private collaboration looks like in XR development for schoolsThe psychology behind “edutainment” that actually worksConnect with Cheryl BayerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-bayer-12b35b10Living Popups: https://www.livingpopups.com/Connect with UsCompany’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flexion-incCompany Website: https://flexion.us/If this conversation sparked a new idea or challenged your assumptions, share this episode with a colleague and subscribe for more thoughtful discussions at the intersection of learning, leadership, and educational technology.Join us next time on Chalk and Code, where the science of learning meets modern technology.