Paper presented at mLearn2012 conference. Full paper can be downloaded from http://elara99.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/arpaper_final.pdf

1. Augmented reality and
mobile learning:
the state of the art
Elizabeth FitzGerald, Anne Adams, Rebecca Ferguson,
Mark Gaved, Yishay Mor & Rhodri Thomas

2. Our story today
• Introduction
• Defining technology-enhanced realities
• Augmented reality, situated learning and embodiment
• Classifying AR
• Criticisms and limitations of AR
• Embedding AR in mobile learning: current and future
• Summary
• Main contributions: pedagogy and taxonomy

3. What is augmented reality (AR)?
• Goal of AR is to add information and meaning to a
real object or place
• Enables learners to “explore” the physical world
without assuming any prior knowledge
• Superimpose “information overlays” or layers, onto
the world around you, using a handheld device
• Add audio commentary, location data, historical
context or other forms of content that can make a
user‟s experience of a thing or a place more
meaningful

5. Haptic Lotus
Hidden Histories:
to the Castle!
Plus new „mobile media‟ app on the way from the OU: Situ8
(watch this space!)

6. Current uses of AR
• Sports coverage
• Retail/marketing
• Networking („Augmented ID‟) or find someone in a
crowd
• Aviation („head-up displays‟ on windscreen of plane)
• Training or task support
• Navigation
• Sightseeing e.g. outdoor venues; museums and art
galleries

7. Defining technology-enhanced realities:
virtual, mixed and augmented
• Fusion of digital information in real world settings
• 3 essential properties:
– real and virtual objects in real environment
– a system that aligns these objects
– that runs interactively in real time
• Not just graphical media: can also be textual, audio,
video, haptic
• Context is key; also explicit intentionality of media
Reality-Virtuality Continuum, redrawn from Milgram et al 1994

8. AR, situated learning and embodiment
• Situated learning
– Authentic, contextual
– Use of tools to mediate contact with the world
• Embodiment and embodied cognition
– Physical interactions with world help us to create meaning
• Other related research:
– Ecology of resources
– Reality-based interaction
– Space/place (Dourish)
• Do we need a new theory of augmented place?
(see E. FitzGerald [in press – Oct/Nov 2012] Towards a Theory of
Augmented Place. IEEE Learning Technologies Newsletter: Special theme
on Technology-Augmented Physical Educational Spaces. Pre-print available
at http://open.academia.edu/LizFitzGerald/Papers)

9. Classifying AR
• Examined 6 projects using AR for mobile learning
• Dimensions used:
– Device or technology used
– Mode of interaction
– Method of sensory feedback to the user (visual/audio/text/video)
– Type of experience (personal or shared)
– Fixed/static or portable experience
– Learning activities or outcomes
• Range of devices used but changing emphasis
• Mode of interaction mostly passive and/or
exploratory
• Mostly mixed media
• Both personal and shared experiences

10. Criticisms and limitations of AR
• Technical challenges
– GPS accuracy and registration errors
– Varying signal quality of phone networks/WiFi coverage
– Battery life of devices
– Viewing the screen in bright sunlight
PLUS…
– Using devices in the rain
innovation
vs
• Pedagogical challenges sustainability?
– Learning not necessarily driven by the pedagogy
– Novelty of the tech may detract from the experience
– Ensure learning is not altered to fit around the limitations of the device
– Tech might be more engaging that surrounding environment
(is the student removed from real world?)
– Consider first the learning goals and objectives
– Reduction in observation skills due to excessive reinforcing/scaffolding?

11. Embedding AR in mobile learning
• Can promote engagement and motivation
• Can support particular learning activities such as
problem solving (see e.g. Luckin and Stanton Fraser,
2011)
• Augmented Contexts for Development (ACD)
• Language learning – translational overlays
• Haptic interfaces e.g. Haptic Lotus and use of
sensors for visually impaired users

12. The future of AR in mobile learning
• Future work expected to include research into
transparent heads-up displays e.g. Google Glass
• Also work into the „Augmented Campus‟ and closer
integration with friendship circles/social networks
• Do we need a pedagogical model for AR?
– Framework to guide
design and evaluation
of AR learning
experiences
(Image attribution: Jeremykemp at en.wikipedia)

13. Summary
• Introduction to AR
• Theoretical underpinning
• Taxonomy of AR mobile learning projects to analyse
current trends
• Limitations and challenges
• Examples of current and potential future use

14. Thanks for listening.
Questions, comments, feedback?
Email: elizabeth.fitzgerald@open.ac.uk
Web: http://iet.open.ac.uk/e.j.fitzgerald
Slideshare: http://www.slideshare.net/ejfitzgerald
Papers: http://open.academia.edu/LizFitzGerald/Papers
Twitter: elara99