Mayu Urata

Development of a Multi-viewpoint AR-Based Mobile Learning System for Supporting Lunar Observation

Observation of lunar phase in the real world is an important part of lunar phase learning. In this research, mobile Augmented Reality (AR) technology was used to develop a multi-viewpoint AR-based mobile learning (M-VARML) system for moon observation that can be used in the real world environment. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the usefulness of our system. Ten participants were given five moon observation tasks, which they had to perform manually and using the M-VARML system. After each task, they were given follow-up questionnaires on the usefulness of the functions in the system. Finally, they were asked about the operational usability and the effect our system had in motivating them to pursue lunar observation. The results show that the M-VARML system is effective in improving the observation and learning of students and in enhancing their motivation to pursue lunar learning.

Developing an astronomy education system in science museum using push notifications

Astronomy education needs flexible education programs in accordance with various seasonal phenomena. However, panels or exhibits in science museums are often too static to behave dynamically to serve the purpose. In this paper, we represent a method to accomplish this purpose, and propose an easily updatable mobile guiding system, which provides the push notifications to encourage visitors to approach the exhibits. We had 19 people test the system, and found the notifications had better effect for walking inside the exhibition room.

M-VSARL system in secondary school science education: Lunar phase class case study

In this research, we introduced the Multi-viewpoint Smartphone AR-based Learning (M-VSARL) System in astronomy teaching to create the environment in which observation task can be done in class time in the classroom. In order to assess the learning effect of M-VSARL system, we conducted a lunar phases observation experiment in a junior high school. The assessment revealed that the system had high learning effect that assisted students to complete the lunar observation task. In addition, especially through using this system stimulated students interest in lunar observation.

Construction and evaluation of an information-sharing environment using cloud storage service for community welfare supporters

With the progress of Information Communication Technology (ICT), many studies investigate the use of ICT in the community. Community welfare services have become increasingly important due to the populations aging. In this study, we investigated the issues of community welfare supporters and constructed an information sharing environment applying cloud storage service and tablets. In this environment, each community welfare supporter possesses a tablet that enables them to share and utilize information in their daily work. As a feasibility study field, the Aoi School District of Higashi-ward in Nagoya was chosen. We investigated the issues with which typical community welfare supporters, called “Minseiiin,” are struggling and proposed that information be shared among them. We then implemented the information-sharing process. Through experiments, we witnessed some occasions when the Minseiiinn uploaded and shared information. We evaluated the usability of the information-sharing environment through a tablet trial session held in the Aoi School District, once a month.

Proposal of mobile application to support the teaching of a community's historical tradition in an after-school activity

This paper describes a research project conducted to teach students about their communitys historical traditions using ICT. Teaching historical traditions is constrained by a shortage of guides and educational content. To solve these problems, we developed a mobile area guide application to provide after-school historical educational activities. The results confirmed that users acquired an in-depth knowledge of their local history, and had more interest in the subject when they used the mobile application.

Version Management of the Dynamic Teaching Materials

Abstract The dynamic teaching materials system was developed in a research project jointly carried by Nagoya University in Japan and Brasilia University in Brazil. The main purpose of the system is to make teaching materials dynamic, so they can be easily adapted to the necessities encountered by the teacher during the classes. Based on the results of the last evaluation test done in March 2012, in this paper the updates and improvement that are being done in the system will be discussed. Projects where the system will be used in the future for new evaluation tests will also be discussed.

Fundamental Functions of Dynamic Teaching Materials System

In this research an e-Learning system was developed focusing on how to implement the idea of dynamic contents in teaching materials, creating what we call Dynamic Teaching Materials, with which teachers themselves can easily change or update the teaching materials according to the requirements of the class. The contents created with the system can also be easily shared between any teachers, and when the shared content of one teacher is updated all the other teaching materials that use the same content can also be automatically updated. The teaching materials are produced in a WYSIWYG interface that allows teachers to create interactive multimedia content without any knowledge of programing languages; the content can also be edited in realtime. The interface design was focused on maximum utilization of the user’s prior computer knowledge, so they do not have to learn basic operations. The system was tested and is being used by the Department of Foreign Languages and Translation of Brasilia University in Brazil.

The dynamic teaching materials system: a way to make teaching materials evolve

This paper discusses the development of the dynamic teaching materials system and its evaluation tests. The system was developed in a research project realised jointly at Nagoya University in Japan and Brasilia University in Brazil. The main purpose of creating this system was to find a way to make teaching materials dynamic, so they could be easily adapted to the necessities encountered by the teacher during classes. Another important point was to find a way to allow teachers to create, update and share multimedia interactive teaching materials themselves. The actual features of the system allow the teaching materials to evolve, but there are still many possibilities for improving the system.