Exploring with AR-technology and digital storying to enrich young children’s learning environments

In the research conducted by ECHOing, we studied the possibilities and challenges connected to digital storytelling and augmented reality (AR) in environmental education. Our developed digital application MyArJulle uses augmented reality technology to invite children to explore and photograph local nature together with the forest elf Julle. But why exactly are digital storytelling and augmented reality useful for learning and how can they enrich environmental education?

We believe that holistic, emotional and imaginative approaches are needed to develop a diverse and rich understanding of natural environments. Previous research shows that holistic and emotional encounters with environments and other living beings strengthen the desire to care for and protect the environment. The research also shows that augmented reality and digital storytelling create opportunities for children to interact with different environments, while promoting their self-confidence and interest in exploring topics and phenomena related to different environments. In this way, playful and physical activities using digital applications also support scientific learning.

In our own research, the Julle application inspired children to imagine how the local surroundings of the school appear in the eyes of the forest elf.. In their stories, the children also reflect on topics that are relevant for them, such as littering the forest near the school, animal welfare and forest degradation. In our research, digital storytelling appeared as a physical and lively way to create space for children to think about and imagine their own relationship with local nature. Therefore, it is not only about which applications are used, but also how they are combined with open-ended approaches, multimodal materials and playful exploration in different environments. In this way we also create through digital storytelling spaces for children’s wonder, unexpected happenings and new future pictures.

Tips and tools on how to combine digital storytelling and augmented reality with environmental education with children. All the listed application are free to download:

• Build imaginative worlds for Julle to move and play in

• Photograph Julle’s feelings in different environments (you can also use the mood cards for this activity)

• Study different animals, plants or phenomena together with Julle and in this way connect you exploration to science education.

• Tell a story about what happens when Julle and a bug meet

• By using JigSpace by Apple, you can reflect different landscapes on the wall and create imaginative figures and beings that goes on an adventure in an AR-landscape, such as a coral reef or forest.

• Take a virtual walk in the forest using the UPM Forest app (https://www.upmforestlife.com) and draw or paint together the sounds of the forest on a large piece of paper.

• Attaches a magnifying glass to a tablet camera and takes photos or videofilm different natural objects, such as moss.

References:

Kristiina Kumpulainen, Chin-Chin Wong, Jenny Byman, Jenny Renlund & Jennifer A. Vadeboncoeur (2023) Fostering children’s ecological imagination with augmented storying, The Journal of Environmental Education, 54:1, 33-45, DOI: 10.1080/00958964.2022.2152407

Kumpulainen, Kristiina, Jenny Byman, Jenny Renlund, and Chin Chin Wong. (2020). "Children’s Augmented Storying in, with and for Nature" Education Sciences 10, no. 6: 149. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci10060149