This project aims to increase accessibility to Augmented Reality (AR) technologies by mainstream developers, educators and students through the design and development of the Real Environments Augmented for Learning engine (REAL). REAL will integrate computer gaming, mobile devices, virtual reality and pedagogical techniques into a usable and effective AR platform for the delivery of authentic, immersive, mixed reality, e-learning experiences operating seamlessly with existing infrastructure for Internet and mobile communications. The outcomes will move AR technologies into the Web 2.0 realm of user-created content and provide superior realism over existing AR content for adoption in conventional e-learning curricula.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES
The REAL project aims to produce the following outcomes:

• an AR engine which allows technical novices to apply an easy-to-use application programming interface (API) and drag-and-drop editor to create their own multi-user content-rich AR games and e-learning content thus moving AR technologies closer into the Web 2.0 realm of user created content;
• techniques for developing marker-less multi-user AR environments which support rich immersive experiences through the integration of game engine technology including virtual lighting, shadows and physics which provide superior realism to augmented content than is currently available;
• a suite of exemplars, open source rapid-development AR e-learning focused tools, guidelines and insights for the successful adoption of AR technologies for mainstream use within e-learning curricula;
• develop the first international framework which seamlessly integrate AR technologies into mainstream e-learning applications including 1) general learning design principles in AR, 2) a set of specified tool-combinations accompanied by activity patterns for self-directed learning in AR, and 3) information about how these activity patterns are transformed in different AR environments and disseminated within the community.
• establish an international AR consortium to act as a centre of excellence and community of practice for AR e-learning training support and further research.