Augmented Reality in Informal Learning Environments: A Music History Exhibition

Augmented Reality (AR) allows computer-generated imagery information to be overlaid onto a live real world environment in real-time. Technological advances in mobile computing devices (MCD) such as smartphones and tablets (internet access, built-in cameras and GPS) made a greater number of AR applications available. This paper presents the Augmented Reality Musical Gallery (ARMG) exhibition, enhanced by AR. ARMG focuses the twentieth century music history and it is aimed to students from the 2nd Cycle of basic education in Portuguese public schools. In this paper, we will introduce the AR technology and address topics as constructivism, art education, student motivation, and informal learning environments. We conclude by presenting the first part of the ongoing research conducted among a sample group of students contemplating the experiment in educational context.