Project Director
Rose Luckin

Partners
BBC Creative Research and Development
University of Sussex
University of Bath

Keywords
Augmented Reality, Home Learning, School Learning, 3D animations

Augmented Reality

Introduction

This project is an evaluation of the BBC Augmented Reality (AR) storybook and storytelling kit that are part of BBC Jam. The aim of this study is to explore the added value that Augmented Reality can offer young readers, their teachers and parents. The project builds upon previous work completed by University of Sussex and the BBC. This indicated that the AR technology has the potential to engage and enthuse learners and offers teachers a new way to visualize difficult concepts.

What is Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality differs from Virtual Reality; AR allows the user to see a real world that is supplemented with virtual elements whereas VR can immerse the user so that they cannot see the real world around them. The application under investigation here uses an AR virtual mirror interface. This is relatively inexpensive, highly portable and relatively quick and easy to set up. The interface can be achieved using the ARToolkit software, virtual 3D content created using a virtual 3D modeling package, a laptop and a web camera. Figure 1 illustrates the interface for one of the stories under evaluation. The research team is working with children teachers and parents in schools and homes in Sussex, London and Wiltshire. Our sources being include email surveys, telephone interviews, plus classroom and home observations.

Findings

Our previous evaluation of the Earth Sun and Moon software (see Figure 2) involved a comparative study between the use of AR and more traditional science teaching methods for 10-year-old children [1]. This illustrated that AR can be used to help young learners understand how the earth and sun interact in 3D space to give rise to day and night. It also allowed us to formulate to design requirements that have influenced the current AR. These requirements included, the need for flexible content that can be adapted to learner need, and guided exploration to maximize learning opportunities. Early indications from the current evaluation are that the AR storytelling software has been well received and that literacy is an appropriate application area.