Augmented reality, the future of contextual mobile learning

Abstract

Purpose -This study aims to show the relevance of augmented reality (AR) in mobile learning for the 21st century. With AR, any real-world environment can be augmented by providing users with accurate digital overlays. AR is a promising technology that has the potential to encourage learners to explore learning materials from a totally new perspective. Besides, the advancements made in information technology further broaden the scope for educational AR applications. Furthermore, the proliferation of wireless mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets is also introducing AR into the mobile domain. Design/methodology/approach -This discussion paper gives an insight of the different potential fields of application of AR and eventually proposes an AR application that will give a completely different learning experience for learners. This AR mobile application will not only provide learners with supplementary information but will also assist lecturers in their teaching process. There are certain concepts in computer science at the tertiary level that are at times difficult for learners to understand using the traditional classroom approach. Through this AR application developed, the learners are able to see what is happening and experience a different form of learning where the focus is more on "learning by doing" and on the ability of visualizing the complete set of steps involved for a particular operation. Finally what is proposed is a generic framework/process for the development of AR applications for learning purposes. Findings -The AR application developed and tested has proved to be helpful in understanding complex concepts of computer science that average students have much difficulty in understanding. Through AR, learning has been brought to a new dimension where the students can easily visualize what is happening and easily understand complex concepts. This low-cost system that has been proposed can track and detect both markerless and marker-based images. A number of experiments have also been carried out to determine a set of best practices for the development and use of such AR applications. Originality/value -Learners have been able to have a more interactive and enriching learning experience through two-dimensional and three-dimensional digital augmentations. The AR mobile application has been enhancing the cognitive skills of learners through enabling them to scan images from printed materials with their smartphones. Then, informative digital augmentation has been overlaid in real time on the mobile screen with the image preview still in the background.

User Requirement Analysis of a Mobile Augmented Reality Application to Support Literacy Development Among Children With Hearing Impairments

“…Recent technological advances in mobile computing have also made it possible in rapidly developing mobile AR systems. In an educational setting, AR can be used as a cognitive tool that places the learner within a real-world physical and social context while still facilitating participatory and metacognitive learning (Dunleavy et al, 2009;Sungkur, Panchoo, & Bhoyroo, 2016). AR in education supports interactive learning, simplicity, contextual information acquisition, efficiency and effectiveness, interpretation skills, and creativity (Sungkur et al, 2016).…”

The Promising Roles of Augmented Reality in Educational Setting: A Review of the Literature

“…In Mathematics, AR facilitated students to comprehend the concepts of Mathematics since it provided more interesting visualization and interface (Coimbra et al, 2015). In computer science, AR application was beneficial to understand complicated concepts of computer (Sungkur et al, 2016). In teaching science for children with special needs, AR allowed children with special needs to acquire new knowledge about carbohydrate of different foods (Calle-Bustos et al, 2017).…”

“…Akcayir, Akcayir, Pektas¸ & Ocak (2016) disclosed that for physics students, AR was effective enhancing students' laboratory skills and creative positive attitudes to physics laboratories. Evidence suggests that AR has a lot of potential in education, despite several challenges, such as technical problems related to AR operation (Sungkur, Panchoo, & Bhoyroo, 2016), the newly development of AR (Zhu, Hadadgar, Masiello, & Zary, 2014), and students' lack of skills, experiences, and tools required to operate AR (Akcayir et al, 2016).…”

Development of The AR School App for Children with Hearing Impairment Who Begin Learning Ecuadorian Sign Language using Augmented Reality

“…New emerging technologies such as Augmented Reality should be used for children's education, especially for those with some type of disability [3]. Due to the different factors that can be tapped into, such as its simple use, interactive learning [4], [5], creativity and skill development [6], it provides a better level of attention and positive acceptance, resulting in a greater motivation in learning [7]. AR School is an application based on Augmented Reality that focuses on the learning of sign language for children with hearing impairment.…”