Enhanced interactive learning using augmented reality

In the field of education, the need of combining learning with enjoyment can never be underestimated. In order to accomplish these goals, educational applications are widely being developedespecially for smart phones. Most of these applications, however provide a total virtual environment. Such an environmentlacks interactivity and providesa rigid learning experience. Augmented Reality (AR) can bridge the gap between virtual and real world thus providing a more natural and interactive learning experience. The main objective of this research work is to investigate the potential of AR to enhance the effectiveness of early learning experiences of children. Using AR technology, an interactive mobile application is developed to provide children aninnovative learning environmentfor basic concepts and skills development. The application engages children to complete simple tasks and interconnects a story with the tasks to gain and retain their interest. Currently, the tasks include English and Urdu alphabets and numeric digitsrecognition. The application, called Interactive Characters, is intended to be a platform for the further development of interactive and effective educational mobile applications with visually attractive augmented interface elements.