An experience on natural sciences augmented reality contents for preschoolers

[EN] Early education is a key element for the future success of students in the education system. This work analyzes the feasibility of using augmented reality contents with preschool students (four and five years old) as a tool for improving their learning process. A quasi experimental design based on a nonequivalent groups posttest-only design was used. A didactic unit has been developed around the topic animals by the participant teachers. The control group followed all the didactic activities defined in the developed didactic materials, while the experimental group was provided in addition with some augmented reality contents. Results show improved learning outcomes in the experimental group with respect to the control group.The Spanish Ministry Economy and Competitiveness partially supported this work (Project ref. TIN2010-21296-C02-01).Cascales, A.; Laguna, I.; Pérez López, DC.; Perona Ruiz, PD.; Contero, M. (2013). An experience on natural sciences augmented reality contents for preschoolers. Lecture Notes in Computer Science. 8022:103-112. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-39420-1_12S1031128022Barnett, W.S.: Effectiveness of Early Educational Intervention. Science 333(6045), 975–978 (2011)OECD: Investing in high-quality early childhood education and care (ECEC). OECD Publishing, http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/0/28/48980282.pdf (retrieved)Campos, P., Pessanha, S.: Designing Augmented Reality Tangible Interfaces for Kindergarten Children. In: Shumaker, R. (ed.) Virtual and Mixed Reality, HCII 2011, Part I. LNCS, vol. 6773, pp. 12–19. Springer, Heidelberg (2011)Lim, J., Kim, S.: A Study on Markerless AR-based Infant Education System using CBIR. Communications in Computer and Information Science 78, 52–58 (2010)Chen, C.H., Su, C.C., Lee, P.Y., Wu, F.G.: Augmented Interface for Children Chinese Learning Technologies. In: 7th IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies, pp. 268–270. IEEE Press, New York (2007)Azuma, R.: A Survey of Augmented Reality. Presence: Teleoperators and Virtual Environments 6(1), 355–385 (1997)Winkler, T., Herczeg, M., Kritzenberger, H.: Mixed Reality Environments as Collaborative and Constructive Learning Spaces for Elementary School Children. In: Barker, P., Rebelsky, S. (eds.) Proceedings of World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications 2002, pp. 1034–1039. AACE, Chesapeake (2002)Hsieh, M.C., Lee, J.S.: AR Marker Capacity Increasing for Kindergarten English Learning. In: International Multi Conference of Engineers and Computer Scientists, vol. 1, pp. 663–666 (2008)Hsieh, M.C., Lin, H.C.K.: Interaction Design Based on Augmented Reality Technologies for English Vocabulary Learning. In: Wong, S.L., et al. (eds.) Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Computers in Education, vol. 1, pp. 663–666. Asia-Pacific Society for Computers in Education (2010)Lee, H., Lee, J.: Mathematical Education Game Based on Augmented Reality. Technologies for E-Learning and Digital Entertainment, 442–450 (2008)Hyun, E., Choi, K., Kim, G.J., Han, J., Jo, M., Kim, N.: Delphi Survey on the Use of Robot Projector based Augmented Reality in Dramatic Activity for Young Children. International Journal of Digital Content Technology and its Applications 5(11), 272–282 (2011)Kim, H.M., Song, T.H., Jung, S.M., Kwon, K.H., Jeon, J.W.: Virtual Storyteller Using Marker Based AR and FPGA. In: IEEE 54th International Midwest Symposium on Circuits and Systems, pp. 1–4. IEEE Press, New York (2011)Dunleavy, M., Dede, C., Mitchell, R.: Affordances and Limitations of Immersive Participatory Augmented Reality Simulations for Teaching and Learning. Journal of Science Education and Technology 18, 7–22 (2009)Martín-Gutiérrez, J., Saorín, J.L., Contero, M., Alcañiz, M., Pérez-López, D., Ortega, M.: Design and validation of an augmented book for spatial abilities development in engineering students. Computers & Graphics 34(1), 77–91 (2010)Cook, T.D., Campbell, D.T., Day, A.: Quasi-experimentation: Design and Analysis Issues for Field Settings, pp. 19–21. Houghton Mifflin, Boston (1979)Buendía, L., Colás, P., Hernández-Pina, F.: Métodos de Investigación en Psicopedagogía. McGraw Hill, Madrid (1997