An Augmented Reality Based Mobile Photography Application to Improve Learning Gain, Decrease Cognitive Load, and Achieve Better Emotional State

Taking photos by mobile phones has become an indispensable part of people's daily life with the popularity of smartphones. However professional photography content is also needed for taking high-quality photos by mobile phones as ones taken by professional cameras. Existing learning tools for photography can't provide photographic practice while presenting theoretical content, nor give real-time photography guidance according to the environment. Mobile augmented reality (AR) technology provides a new way to solve these problems by creating a real learning situation. Therefore, an innovative AR-based mobile photography application (ARMPA) is designed and developed as a method to connect theory and practice. Based on Learning-by-Doing instructional strategy, the ARMPA can timely and synchronously display the theoretical content of photography in the form of text and images corresponding to learners' practical operation. Moreover, it can provide learners real-time interaction and guidance by using AR environment sensing technology. The effect of ARMPA on learning gain and cognitive load is assessed by traditional methods of pre/post-test and questionnaires. To objectively explore the effectiveness of ARMPA from a cognitive and emotional perspective, we measure and extract four emotional state indexes of electroencephalogram (EEG) including engagement (ENG), relaxation (MED), interest (INT) and focus (FOC). Compared to traditional two-dimension (2 D) application (APP), ARMPA improves learners’ learning gains, decreases learners’ cognitive loads. The participants in the AR group achieve better emotional states than those in the 2 D group. This study provides some empirical evidence for AR technology to boost mobile phone photography.