Search form


Augmented Reality Brings Books to Life

Augmented reality, the technology that projects three-dimensional video and audio from a printed page, has been developed for educational textbooks by Vermont publishing firm Palmer Creative Group.

Augmented reality literally makes images
jump off the page.

Palmer Creative Group is slated to introduce this new augmented reality at the Association of Science –Technology Centers annual conference. The use of augmented reality technology brings a three-dimensional, interactive component to student learning in the areas of science and social studies with animated visuals that supplement material covered in a book.

“Leveraging the creative capabilities of technology to improve education in the U.S. is a huge mandate,” said Heather Palmer, owner of Palmer Creative. “Augmented reality intensifies students’ engagement with the content and brings the material to life. Initial research is showing both increased student test scores and enhanced learning.”

Palmer Creative Group collaborated with Korean-based SK Telecom and fellow Vermont company Priestley Publishing to design and develop the 3D Library, a series of science books using augmented reality technology. Palmer Creative is the first educational publishing company to offer customized content and design with augmented reality capabilities. 

To use, students simply place the book under any computer-mounted Web camera to display animated video content on the computer screen. The 3D animation is accompanied by audio that delves into material above and beyond what is presented in the book, reinforcing and enriching student understanding. Students can move, turn, and tilt the book to view the image from various angles and perspectives.

A study conducted by SEG Measurement of fourth-grade students showed that students using “both the books and computer-based animations made statistically greater gains in science knowledge and skills as compared to students in classes that used only the books.” The study notes that this tool can be used in a variety of ways, including introducing a new topic or illustrating complex subject matter.

“The kids are learning,” said Lyons Elementary School teacher Julieth Ramirez. “I’m asking questions, and students relate to me what they saw in the book. They’re interested, and they are learning.”  Palmer Creative Group aligns high-interest science topics with state curricula and the Common Core standards to ensure that the books are designed to improve learning in key areas.

 


Article by Jason Tomaszewski, EducationWorld Associate Editor
Education World®    
Copyright © 2011 Education World