Exploring the use of an augmented reality children’s storybook as an educational tool on Maltese endemic animals

Abstract

Studies show that there is a decline in children’s reading habits, and this is partially the fault of technological advancement in digital media. This dissertation aims to bridge analogue books and digital media together with the hopes of attracting young people back to reading books again, with the help of Augmented Reality, which would superimpose animation and 3D models on book pages using a mobile phone application. This was done by creating an educational storybook that aims to teach children about Maltese fauna using a gripping plot, likable characters, fun illustrations and finally, AR and animation. Existing literature related to how books can gain added value by combining it AR and how children can benefit from it was consulted, as well as how other books tackled the AR aspect. In addition, various research methods helped in gaining more knowledge about multiple fields, mainly about AR books in a Maltese context and information about local fauna, as well as gaining feedback about the book created from the target audience.