This paper presents a work-in-progress project detailing a novel augmented reality game designed to enhance preschool-aged children's knowledge of print-based literacy. National testing scores suggest children struggle with aspects of literacy in later grades. With the rise of videogames as popular entertainment and the potential of augmented reality to present unique affordances for learning, these factors suggest a confluence deserving of investigation. We present ABC3D, a custom-deigned augmented reality (AR) mobile game that harnesses the motivating power of interest and the affordances of augmented reality to engage children in practicing print-based literacy. ABC3D is bimodal, consisting of 1) a "scanning" mode which allows children to scan drawn letters and view 3D images of content starting with the same letter and 2) a "vehicle" mode which tasks children with collecting objects starting with certain letters as specified by software or instructor. Future work involves further polishing of the software, implementation of audio pronunciation and eventual user testing.
展开▼
