Augmented Reality Application for Solar System Learning

The purpose of this study is to investigate the applicability of Augmented Reality (AR) technology to solar system learning content. AR is a real-world interactive experience in which real-world items are augmented with computer-generated perceptual information and is used as the main technology for this study. AR in solar system learning provides a way to study natural phenomena of solar system that are impractical to see directly due to their location, duration, and scale in virtual 3D visualization. There are several existing problems of the previous AR solar system learning applications such as users are not allowed to interact with the virtual learning content and the users only can view the 3D animated visualization. Some existing applications were built only for users to learn the fact of the solar system without any quizzes for users to test their understanding. Besides, in the existing systems, only one marker is used for the entire solar system which is less interactive. Thus, in this study, the application was designed and developed to allow users to interact with the virtual 3D content by using touch-based inputs. Different card combinations also allow users to perform vary card interactions to expel different learning content. Also, quizzes are included to boost the users’ understanding. Preliminary testing results based on the identification of applicability of AR technology to solar system learning content showed that the proposed application could be used as an alternative to adequately identify the best method for teaching and learning process on solar system topic.