Case: Augmented Reality

A research project, jointly carried out by Harvard, MIT and the University of Wisconsin, uses wireless handheld devices to engage students in an augmented reality-based educational enviroment. The Handheld Augmented Reality Project (HARP) is quite a complicated mix of technology, which attempts to make Literacy and Numeracy fun.

The system works by superimposing images in the real world setting, such as virtual characters and other sensory information. HARP utilises GPS technology to track the user's movement and when the person enters a hotspot, he or she is confronted with computer-generated image pertaining to the story - Alien Contact!

It sounds like a really exciting idea, where users will be able to investigate why the Aliens have landed through solving clues that a special agent gives to them. The device could be used to portray all sorts of environments both fictional and non-fictional, aiding other modules such as Geography and History.

Perhaps we could do something similar if we decide to go down the education route. Have a read of the whole article as it contains a lot more information on the Alien Contact game and the technologies behind it.

The original article can be found here.

Image showing hotspots around the school campus: