Augmented reality for interpretive and experiential learning

The Augmented Reality for Interpretive and Experiential Learning (ARIEL) project explores the use of augmented reality in informal science education in the context of a science museum exhibition. The project team has developed an open-source augmented reality (AR) authoring platform designed with the science centre exhibit designer in mind. The platform uses a suite of AR approaches to allow exhibit developers to quickly and inexpensively create augmented interactive experiences. By adding the ability to incorporate real-time modelling and scientific visualisation into the AR experience, the platform acts as a means to use AR as a tool to achieve science centres' educational missions. The project has developed and begun to test a variety of hands-on devices that mix text, images, and visualisations with the kinesthetic experience central to a hands-on approach. This paper will provide an overview of the ARIEL platform and describe a series of interactive device prototypes augmented by the technology along with the results of audience testing and learning research using the devices. ARIEL is a four-year project. This paper presents work to date which is the mid-way point of the project.