Simone Jensen, a University of St Andrews mathematics scholar who studied at UCLA for the 2021–2022 academic year, put her efforts into discovering how to construct an augmented reality (AR) application. The “Year 3 Maths Smartbooks” software connects to a real textbook that opens up into a collection of shapes and items when a user places their phone over it. It is making mathematics more fascinating for youngsters through hands-on experiences.
Jensen said that she started the business with pals she met whilst studying abroad at UCLA after drafting the app’s code during quarantine. One of the SmartBooks co-founders and a student of acting and cinema studies at London’s Queen Mary University named Emma Howes also studied abroad with Jensen at UCLA.
Jensen claimed that in order to augment the usage of previously obtainable materials, she chose to connect her application to existing reading materials. She expressed the opinion that cutting-edge technologies, such as augmented reality, may assist in the update of obsolete real-world books for students.
Howes added that taking advantage of kids’ growing screen exposure will be possible with SmartBooks. According to her, kids spend a lot of time on screens nowadays. The idea is that since they would be using screens anyhow, they are better off using the same for educational activities.
According to Jensen, the team had a difficult time getting the pilot publication, “Smartbooks Year 3 Maths Book AR: A smartbooks production,” published on Amazon on July 19.
The students worked with Amazon and the app store to get their items authorised for months after releasing the app and device. They tested it in schools and homes to gain user input.
Jensen revealed that there are many tasks that simply take longer than one would anticipate. She revealed that in the past, she would wake up and check her emails to see Amazon rejecting her books.
Howes noted that despite this, the team was able to get encouraging feedback from kids and parents. She continued by saying that she felt a thrill of fulfilment when she watched youngsters evaluating their items and their delighted expressions.
Third-year business economics scholar Akshat Mittal, who oversaw the expansion of the SmartBooks business, recalled that one colleague was particularly optimistic about the innovation.
According to Mittal, He would instantly phone all of his pals after installing the app, and they would arrange a get-together so that everyone could experience the thrill collectively.
At the Hult Prize Global Accelerator in Boston, a competition where youths attempt to address a global issue via entrepreneurship, Howes, Mittal and Jensen, were the representatives of SmartBooks.
Mittal revealed that he maintains contact with colleagues he made in the Accelerator and formed close bonds with rival startups. Mittal expressed his hope that SmartBooks will make learning enjoyable for all students.
According to Mittal, he believes that his collective wants the business to be the image of learning that every youngster has in their head, one that is engaging.
