Critical Opportunities for Learning and Literacy
(CO-LAB)

The Critical Opportunities for Learning and Literacies Lab (COLab), housed in the Department of Education and Human Development at Clemson University, is a research group committed to expanding equitable access to learning and literacy.

 

Founded and supported by Dr. Sarah Ura and Dr. Sarah Jerasa, COLab examines how classroom environments, digital spaces, and applications of the learning sciences shape educational opportunities and influence student and teacher experiences.

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Our research investigates the barriers and supports that shape teacher decision-making, student engagement, and culturally responsive practices. With a focus on equity and inclusion, we work to amplify marginalized voices, challenge systemic inequities, and reimagine literacy and learning across both physical and digital spaces. By critically examining how learning unfolds in various contexts, we seek to inform educational practices that foster more inclusive and just learning environments.

 

The learning systems in place within schools and beyond—such as family, community networks, media, and digital platforms—play a significant role in shaping how individuals understand the world, develop literacy skills, and navigate knowledge. These systems can either reinforce barriers to access or serve as avenues for empowerment, offering opportunities for individuals to engage with diverse perspectives, challenge dominant narratives, and advocate for more equitable educational experiences.

 

Through our research, CO-Lab highlights the transformative potential of literacy and learning in fostering agency and creating meaningful pathways for all learners.