Augmented Reality Smartphone Environment Orientation Application: A Case Study of the Fu-Jen University Mobile Campus Touring System

Traditionally, environment orientations are given via signposts, tour guides, or through the web. However, these methods cannot construct a personal context-aware learning environment. With the advancement of augmented reality (AR) and smart phone devices containing a built-in camera, Internet connection, GPS technology and a compass device, mobile learning, or ubiquitous context-aware learning, becomes easy and boundary-free. AR technology creates a user-centered, visualized operation, and a real-time-feedback learning environment. For campus touring purposes, AR enhances users learning interest, and therefore reinforces learning. To explore how AR mobile learning can help visitors become familiar with an environment, a smart phone AR implementation tool, Layar, was used. A prototype campus touring system for Fu-Jen Catholic University was developed and reviewed by two focus groups (freshmen). Interview data were collected. The thoughts and reactions from these two focus groups were summarized. Findings of the research reveal that the smart phone AR campus touring system provides hidden information in a real environment, giving freshmen instant assistance if they have gotten lost, and is a good personal mobile learning tool. However, to make the smart phone AR touring more effective, suggestions are provided for further implementation.