Mobile learning media for ecology using augmented reality on android smartphone

Abstract

Nowadays, an android-based smartphone is one of the most popular mobile devices used as a learning tool because people can use it anywhere and anytime. Hence, this paper proposes a new mobile learning (m-learning) media for Ecology using Augmented Reality (AR) on Android smartphones, called KnowItsLife. It contains knowledge about interspecific interactions between animals, such as predation, herbivory, and mutualism. It provides not only content interaction but also augmented reality (AR) display using AR card and a smartphone camera. The software consists of three components: AR card capturing, location selection, and interspecific interaction simulation. The proposed m-learning software was evaluated by a group of freshmen major in Science. The statistical results conclude that our software can help volunteers understand interspecific interaction better.