Augmented hands-on: an evaluation of the impact of augmented reality technology on informal science learning behavior

This evaluative comparison study was designed to determine the extent to which the application of augmented reality technology increases realization of a hands-on exhibit device\u27s intent and how augmented reality technology might influence family learning behaviors and facilitate the integration of the experiential and interpretive aspects of an informal science learning experience. The study was conducted at The Franklin Institute Science Museum during the summer of 2010. Twenty families interacted with an exhibit device called Be the Path in both its traditional hands-on condition and a novel augmented condition. While the sample size was too small to generate statistically significant differences between conditions, the resultant qualitative analysis of the family learning behaviors suggested that the families who encountered Be the Path in its augmented hands-on condition played longer and at a higher level of quality than those who encountered the hands-on device without augmentation. All of the families who experienced Be the Path in its augmented condition surpassed the families who experienced the non-augmented device on at least one measure. Furthermore, many of the families who encountered the augmented reality surpassed their counterparts in the non-augmented device group on two or more measures. These positive findings suggest that additional investigation is warranted in order to deepen understanding of augmented reality technology\u27s potential to influence family learning behaviors around hands-on exhibit devices in ways that could create and support the development of skills needed to maximize the impact of informal learning--in science museums and elsewhere