Developing a Mobile Learning System in Augmented Reality Context

In recent years, many emerging information technologies have been applied to learning environments in an attempt to overcome drawbacks associated with traditional teaching environments. Some of these technologies have been shown to improve learning outcomes and learning motivation. Advances in wireless communications have raised research interest in the development of ubiquitous learning (u-learning) environments and their impact on learner attitudes and behavior. This study reports the use of augmented reality (AR) technology to create virtual objects for use in mobile devices to create a context-aware, AR-enabled guided tour application for outdoor learning. The goal is to provide learners with a friendly, interactive interface and rich, engaging media to stimulate intrinsic motivation and learning performance. The main advantages of the proposed system include the following: (1) it helps stimulate learning intention through pursuing outdoor learning objectives, (2) AR technology provides learners with contextual information related to the outdoor learning environment, and (3) it enhances learner retention of teaching contents easily with the situated learning strategy. 1. Introduction Rapid advances in information technology have created venues for organized learning beyond the traditional classroom, especially through the use of mobile devices to create opportunities for context-aware ubiquitous learning [1, 2]. In traditional classroom learning environments, instruction is conducted through lectures and activities provided by the teacher along with course books and audio-visual materials. Learners listen to their teachers’ instruction while receiving visual cues through PowerPoint presentations, handouts, or whiteboard content before participating in learning activities or group discussions. However, traditional classroom learning is normally quite structured and is limited to preexisting teaching materials or preplanned learning activities. M-learning has recently emerged as a trend in instruction, offering learners with networked mobile devices unprecedented convenience and allowing them to learn anywhere, anytime [3–5]. In contrast to traditional classroom instruction, m-learning allows learners to use Internet resources, multimedia technologies, and virtual team skills in online discussions, exams, video conferencing, and other activities. Ubiquitous learning overcomes time and place limitations to allow engagement in reality-based learning applications through which they experience, explore, and develop problem solving skills, thus improving