FunWritr is an experiment in literacy development and language acquisition that uses computational linguistics to create an intelligent mashup technology to support and engage learners, ages 8 and up in open-ended writing and language exploration activities. FunWritr combines traditional writing supports such as spell checking with visual representations of the words and phrases they type. It supports learners as they compose text in any genre and on any topic. FunWritr also serves as both platform and gateway to word meaning and word family exploration. Learners can write stories, notice elements of English grammar usage, and play with word meaning.

Central to student engagement with FunWritr is the multiplicity of opportunities for language experimentation. Simple descriptive words such as 'big' or 'nice' connect with similar words like 'colossal' and 'pleasant' while object words like 'cat' connect the learner with larger sets and subsets like 'feline' and house cat'. Through sustained play users have the opportunity to not only learn new words, but also develop an understanding of linguistic structure.

Founded in 2007, the Language Learning & Technology Research and Design Group is a student-led educational technology research and design group. Its membership is comprised of current and former members of the University of Texas' Instructional Technology program. The group explores ways technologies (esp. artificial intelligence and unbundled APIs) can be leveraged to support language learning and literacy growth. FunWritr constitutes the group's current research and development endeavor. Application development is ongoing.