Mobile Augmented Reality Supporting Community-Based Learning: Families' Exploration of Land-Water Interactions

• In Event: Innovative Strategies for Promoting Engagement

Abstract

From a design-based research study with rural families, we share findings related to supporting the intergenerational exploration of hydrogeology concepts at a children’s garden at a university arboretum. The team developed a mobile augmented reality app focused on how rock-water interactions over millions of years shaped Appalachia. Data are video records and interviews from 14 families (42 people); videos were transcribed, coded, and developed into case studies. We present results related to design elements that supported sensory engagement (observation, touch) in an Arboretum through AR visualizations related to geological history. This analysis contributes to the literature on informal learning environments and theory related to learning-on-the-move and the role of sensory engagement with AR experiences.

Authors

• Heather Toomey Zimmerman, The Pennsylvania State University

• Susan M. Land, The Pennsylvania State University

• Lucy R. McClain, The Pennsylvania State University

• Yu-Chen Chiu, The Pennsylvania State University

• Lillyanna Faimon, The Pennsylvania State University - University Park