Jo Lambert, Mimas, UK@team_scarlet

What is AR?

AR uses computer graphics to add a layer of information on the real world

Aims to assist understanding and/or interaction with the world around you

Natural-feature tracking (physical object) and marker less (GPS coordinates)

SCARLET partners

http://mimas.ac.uk/http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/

http://www.manchester.ac.uk/http://www.jisc.ac.uk/

SCARLET contextStudents must consult rare books within the controlled conditions of library study rooms

The objects are isolated from the secondary, supporting materials and the growing mass of related digital assets

Unfamiliar experience for students used to living in an online world

SCARLET aims

Provide method of linking fragile and rare objects with related online resources

Use AR to enhance the learner experience

Develop a methodology that can be replicated in other contexts

Combining the magic of seeing and handling primary sources with leading-edge technology to support research-led teaching

Surrounding objects with contextual material

Users retain information when actively involved in a learning experience

Benefits for students

Mimas

Project management, AR technology expertise and development, learner evaluation and toolkit development

John Rylands Library

Special collectionsexpertise, technical integration

with digitised content and special collections materials

Academics

Award winning academics from Humanities faculty developing

and delivering content

Multi-disciplinary team

Perspectives from the team

John Hodgson, Collections Manager

“The future of AR within special collections is very exciting. We're demonstrating that AR can really enliven students experience of special collections.”

Pilot courses

Pilots in three UG courses:•Italian Studies

– Beyond the Text: The Book and its Body

•English and American Studies– Milton

•Classical Studies– Egypt in the Graeco-Roman World

10 key editions of the poem which are particularly important in terms of the publishing and or/intellectual history

All published between 1472 and 1555

Dante content development

Perspectives from the team

Guyda Armstrong, Lecturer in Italian

“Using AR we can show students the treasures we have in the library and we can open up resources to them using this exciting new technology.”

Perspectives from the team

Matt Ramirez, Lead Technical (AR) Developer

“AR promotes active learning and critical response by encouraging students to engage with the rich, visual content.”

User journey video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=UzI1dtSQ7ac

Evaluation process

Various evaluation methods (focus groups, surveys)

Does AR add value to students study and assist with learning outcomes?

How can feedback be used to inform future development phases?

Dr Guyda Armstrong:

“The SCARLET project will allow students to utilize cutting-edge digital technology when researching five-hundred-year-old books. They'll have the library in their pocket at all times. I hope it will be a huge step forward in terms both of evidence-based learning practice and the student experience.”

Lessons learned: content

• Useful for an introduction to a subject, UG 1 & 2

• AR may be more suitable when used as part of an activity-based learning exercise

• Use of AR should be contextual, closely linked to the object and offer a unique experience

• Amount of time required by academics to assist in content development shouldn’t be underestimated

Lessons learned: process

Multi-disciplinary team

Focus on student learning

Iterative development cycle

User focused design, evaluation and review

Wider audience

SCARLET JRUL public engagement project

How can AR add value and enhance understanding of an object at JRUL for the general public?

SCARLET Blog

Next steps

http://www.flickr.com/photos/aldoaldoz/2340226779/

Next steps

Find out more

Blog: http://teamscarlet.wordpress.com AR Poster

http://teamscarlet.wordpress.com/2012/04/19/scarlet-ar-poster/

http://teamscarlet.wordpress.com/2011/11/14/demonstration-content/Twitter: @team_scarlet

Email me: Jo.lambert@manchester.ac.uk