Abstract:

The use of augmented reality (AR) in formal education could prove a key component in future learning environments that are richly populated with a blend of hardware and software applications. Due to the increasing usage of smartphones and tablets it is expected that the augmented reality technology will integrate wholesale into the learning by mobile devices. Integrated in m-Learning systems, AR will provide innovative ways to transfer knowledge in education. However, relatively little is known about the potential of this technology to support teaching and learning with groups of young children in the classroom.

This is the purpose of the project “Usage of augmented reality technology with mobile devices in the learning process”, within the research project competition "Research 2013/2014" of the "Research &Development" Division of Plovdiv University. The project aim is to design, develop, implement and evaluate innovative mobile services using augmented reality technology in the natural science education in primary school.

On one hand the research is focused to support primary teachers in organizing and conducting training of the "Man and Nature“ subject, giving them the opportunity to update the learning process through the implementation of new teaching practices. On the other hand, conditions for students are created for better utilization of curriculum content of this subject through integration of real and virtual worlds.

The system of mobile augmented reality applications for education in natural science in elementary school developed within the project includes the following components:
- A mobile application in which multimedia models of objects from the "Man and Nature" textbook are visualized by using augmented reality technology. They can be seen on the screen of a smartphone or tablet.
- An adapted mobile application with augmented reality in astronomy for the needs of students in Bulgarian primary school.

The final result of the integration of the established audiovisual and multimedia learning resources in the developed system of mobile applications and their implementation in education on the basis of the established teaching model is the MAP package. Implementation of this package in the teaching practice is organized as a pilot experiment.

Keywords:

Augmented Reality, Mobile Learning, Educational Technology.