Development of a virtual butterfly ecological system based on augmented reality and mobile learning technologies

A campus butterfly garden is a useful resource for teaching natural science. Students can learn about butterfly ecology by breeding and observation activities to understand the continuation of life and develop the sentiments of respecting life. However, a butterfly garden requires professional planning, construction and maintenance for sustainable development. In this study, augmented reality and mobile learning technologies were used to develop a virtual butterfly ecological system by integrating with the host plants and nectar plants in campus. Students can use smart phones or tablet PCs to breed virtual butterflies on host plants and observe their life cycles at different growing stages. With the available space in campus, a virtual butterfly garden was designed as a greenhouse where the users could observe different species of butterflies using the tracking telescope. The virtual butterfly ecological system can increase the learning motivation and interest of students through virtual breeding and observation activities. It has both educational and entertaining functions, and is therefore a suitable assistant tool for science education in elementary and high schools.