
The 'AR Number Line' app is an innovative augmented reality application for mathematics lessons and the promotion of mathematical skills, especially number understanding. The app links real size relationships with a virtual "endless" number line. By placing the interactive number line in real space and the ability to move through space along the number line and mark numbers or number transitions, the app enables a new way of exploring numbers and number relationships. Particular potential is shown here in larger number spaces, which can normally only be illustrated in sections or greatly reduced in size. The app is currently a preliminary version in development, but is usable and is currently in a scientific testing phase in primary schools. The app will be actively developed during the evaluation phase and findings will be incorporated into updates to the app.
functions
- Create a number line by tapping on a flat surface in your environment (e.g. hallway, table).
- With two fingers you can rotate the number line (it's best to touch the zero) or enlarge and move it.
- Create number markers by tapping the appropriate place on the number line.
- Move number markers by long pressing and moving to the marker.
- If you want to delete a marker, long press and quickly drag the marker up or down.
- You can set the color of the marker (in the settings you can also choose whether the colors should change automatically).
- There are several different modes you can use to make markings:
- Pay: One or more numbers can be marked here.
- addition: Here a plus or minus task can be represented by marking two numbers. The operation is represented by an arch (bridge).
- multiplication: Here, multiplication tasks are represented by repeatedly tapping the number line.
- strategy: In this mode, several operations can be displayed one after the other.
- In group mode, number lines on different devices can be synchronized with each other, allowing people to work together on a task across devices. To do this, multiple devices on the same network simply need to click on the "group button" and wait until the devices connect.
- Many aspects of the app can be customized to enable different learning environments, including:
- The number range can be adjusted (from 10 to infinity)
- Negative numbers can be displayed
- Markers can be flexibly hidden (every number, every 5th number, ...)
- The display of numbers can be shown or hidden
- The colors can be changed automatically
- Neighboring numbers (neighboring tens, neighboring hundreds, neighboring thousands) can be displayed in the “number” mode using an arrow.
- The background can be darkened for better contrast.
Here is a video of the app in action: