ARGreenet and BasicGreenet: Two mobile games for learning how to recycle

Abstract

In this paper, a new Augmented Reality (AR) mobile phone game ‘ARGreenet’ is presented. The game aims to raise individuals’ awareness of the importance of recycling and teaching participants how to do it. In this research, the ‘ARGreenet’ is compared with a similar ‘Basic’ mobile phone game for recycling. Thirty eight children aged from 8 to 13 years of age participated in this study. To quantify aspects of the utility and effectiveness of the games, the children answered questionnaires both before and after using each game. Aspects examined included the level of engagement and fun of each game, the ease of use and perceived value of each game, and the perceived learning about recycling. We report a positive change in intended behavior with both games. The results suggest that playing both games is likely to have a positive influence in changing participants’ recycling behaviour. These preliminary results also suggest that the mobile phone is potentially a good platform for not only learning about recycling but also influencing people to change their behaviour. A majority of the participants expressed a preference for ARGreenet game. They perceived it as easy to use and more engaging and fun than the BasicGreenet game.