Augmenting Reality in Books: A Tool for Enhancing Reading Skills in Mexico

Abstract

Data suggests there is a global reduction in the number of readers, and a decreasing amount of time spent on reading. The primary reasons for this falling performance is due to the lack of time to read and the lack of motivation. Augmented reality has a promising potential to increase literacy because it fosters cognitive attainment and has a positive impact on overall learning effectiveness. Augmented technology contributes to increasing engagement, invites participation, and develops appreciation of the context. Augmented books are proposed to incentivize curiosity, facilitate the interpretation of text and illustrations, and provide a learning tool that relates to the reader. The Mexican national textbook publishing program has an unparalleled opportunity to improve educational outcomes since augmented reality provides complementary digital learning experiences to the printed content giving readers the advantage of two media. Net result: increased literacy, deeper learning.