Families Learning Together About Their Regions' Natural History: Augmented Reality in the Garden

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 13
  In Poster Session: New Directions in Informal Learning Environments Research: Families, Communities, and Careers

Abstract

We investigate families’ science learning in an outdoor children’s garden using a customized app built with augmented reality, digital photography, and photo-annotation features. Learners from 14 families (18 adults, with 33 children aged 2 to 15) over two days were engaged in a 15 minutes app-supported learning experience at a simulated cave in the garden. Methods used include interaction analysis of video- records and post-visit interviews. Findings show that our app and AR feature helped children and families to engage with science observations. After completing their experiences, children were able to engage in more scientific discourse about how caves form. The study’s results generate insights into the design of mobile learning environments to broaden rural families’ participation in science.

Authors

• Heather Toomey Zimmerman, The Pennsylvania State University

• Yu-Chen Chiu, The Pennsylvania State University

• Yong Ju Jung, The University of Oklahoma

• Katharine Grills, The Pennsylvania State University

• Lucy R. McClain, The Pennsylvania State University

• Susan M. Land, The Pennsylvania State University