Abstract-Observational-based learning (OBL) can improve learners' understanding of astronomical phenomena, such as the lunar phases or solar diurnal motion. This paper introduces the multi-viewpoint smartphone AR-based (M-VSAR) learning system for constructing an OBL environment for astronomical observation. We apply this concept to two learning systems: a solar observation system and a lunar observation system. We illustrate how an M-VSAR system can enhance a learner's interest in and learning of astronomical phenomena.

Abstract-It is possible to improve learners' understanding of the concept of lunar phases by using Observation based Learning (OBL). In this research, Smartphone Augmented Reality (AR) technology was used to develop a multiviewpoint 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. 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.

In anticipation of the Tokyo Olympics, Japan is attaching importance to create an attractive sightseeing region. As one method to activate sightseeing by utilizing local regional resources, open data promotion is currently paid attention. However, there are many local governments that have not started to open data promotion because they are concerned that their work load will be increased and they have no idea about its needs since there are still few utilization cases of open data. The purpose of this study is to open data promotion at autonomous works, and an open data promotion of sightseeing event information by co-operating with local government was conducted. Regarding open data promotion that was conducted, this study worked on converting information that local government has kept so far, to open data, developing event guide application by utilizing it, and revealing its usefulness by a demonstration experiment.

A popular astronomical concept covered by projection learning programs in the planetarium is seasonal constellation. However, a planetarium’s learning environment is limited to virtual scenes, where learners can observe seasonal constellations, but there is a significant difference between reality and the learners’ imagination regarding constellations. It is important to create a real-world oriented observation learning environment for observing seasonal constellations. Augmented reality has proved to be a powerful tool for astronomical observation learning. In this paper, augmented reality (AR) contents and 2D contents are used to develop a smartphone-based learning system called the Real-World Oriented Smartphone AR Learning System (R-WOSARLS) for seasonal constellation observation, which is based on the planetarium contents of the planetarium of the Nagoya City Science Museum, for seasonal constellation learning. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the usefulness, usability, and learner satisfaction of our system in university and junior high school, respectively. The results show that R-WOSARLS is an effective learning tool for constellation observation and learning, and it enhances learners’ motivation to pursue seasonal constellation learning. Moreover, R-WOSARLS could be a teaching tool not only to help students learn more than with traditional instruction, but also to stimulate their interest in astronomical phenomena outside of school.

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