Augmented Reality (AR) is an emerging form of experience in which the Real World (RW) is enhanced by computer-generated content tied to specific locations and/or activities. Over the last several years, AR applications have become portable and widely available on mobile devices. AR is becoming visible in our audio-visual media (e.g., news, entertainment, sports) and is beginning to enter other aspects of our lives (e.g., e-commerce, travel, marketing) in tangible and exciting ways. Facilitating ubiquitous learning, AR will give learners instant access to locationspecific information compiled and provided by numerous sources (2009). Both the 2010 and 2011Horizon Reports predict that AR will soon see widespread use on US college campuses. In preparation, this paper offers an overview of AR, examines recent AR developments, explores the impact of AR on society, and evaluates the implications of AR for learning and education.

No abstract

Driven by advancements in technology and continuing improvements in the Internet, a transformation in the way consumers shop is taking place. Despite the shortcomings of remote shopping, web-based fashion sales continue to rise (Batista, 2013), and virtual dressing room (VDR) technology should contribute to this trend. Currently there are two technologies for delivering VDR online: Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). Important questions linger regarding how consumers will use these new technologies and how VDR will impact consumer attitudes and purchase intentions. Drawing on Uses and Gratifications (U&G) theory, this paper proposes entertainment value, informativeness and web irritation, along with consumer innovativeness and economic motivation to shop online, as key factors influencing consumer use of VDR technology. Additionally, it is proposed that use of VDR will reduce consumers' perceived risks regarding buying apparel online and have a positive effect on consumer self-confidence, customer -brand relationships and consumers' online e-shopping behavior.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine certain aspects of the relationship between impulse buying and resulting cognitive dissonance in the context of spring break student shopping.Design/methodology/approachThe paper employs exploratory analysis utilizing a quantitative approach. The sample population was drawn from college students who went on shopping trips during their spring break. The survey instrument measures the cognitive dissonance construct and the impulsive trait, among other things. Because spring break shopping by students differs from typical adult shopping, some context specific nuances are also explored.FindingsThe first hypothesis tested was that the level of cognitive dissonance resulting from impulsive buying would be significantly greater than that which occurred after a planned purchase. Additionally, informed by prior theory, it was expected that more impulsive individuals would experience a higher level of cognitive dissonance after an unplanned purchase than less impulsive individuals. However, the empirical data were found to directly contradict these hypotheses. Impulsive buyers seem to experience rather lower levels of cognitive dissonance than planned buyers. Likewise, when a typically non‐impulsive buyer makes an impulsive purchase, the cognitive dissonance experienced by him is seen to be significantly higher than when a typically impulsive buyer makes such a purchase. These findings lead to a new theory, according to which, impulse buying behavior may be a coping strategy used to avoid discomfort associated with the possible disconfirmation of expectations.Originality/valueUnderstanding present generation college students' consumption‐related behavior may give vital clues about the changing nature of consumption, as well as offering predictors for the consumption behavior of the adult population in the near future. In addition, by testing certain so far unexplored aspects of the relationship between impulse buying and cognitive dissonance, the paper enriches consumer research literature.

No abstract