Current AR application books such as "Galaxy Adventure", "Amazing Forest" are expected to be one of the notable experiments when combining printed books and AR technology, allowing static images on paper to "transform" into 3D models, helping readers interact directly. Not only stopping at visual effects, this model is expected to change the way children access knowledge. Instead of just reading and imagining, children can "see - hear - touch" knowledge. According to Ms. Doan Phuong Thoa - founder of SPACES (Education Ecosystem accompanying Vietnamese children on the journey to elevate knowledge, nurture thinking and build a sustainable future), the effectiveness of AR books lies not in "beautifying" the book, but in the purposeful use of technology. "If AR is only used to create an attractive 3D effect, then it is just temporary curiosity. But if designed as an educational tool, AR can completely change children's reading experience" - Ms. Phuong Thoa said. The biggest difference of AR books is the transition from passive to active reception.
Although opening up many opportunities, AR books also pose many challenges. One of the biggest problems is the risk of readers, especially children, being drawn into the image part and ignoring the text content. Dr. Tung Hieu - lecturer at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ho Chi Minh City - said that technology does not replace reading, but must serve reading. He affirmed that although applying technology, content needs to be put at the center. Meanwhile, AR application books only make what is on the page easier to access for readers, especially for young children, not a factor for them to be drawn in and neglect the necessary knowledge. Ms. Phuong Thoa also emphasized that an AR book must still be a true book, with a well-invested story, language and knowledge structure. "Children still have to read, think, and connect information to fully understand. Technology cannot replace that process" - Ms. Phuong Thoa affirmed. Reality shows that if technology is abused, books are very likely to become short-term entertainment products. "When technology is used excessively, we may inadvertently reduce children's ability to concentrate and think in the long term. This is worrying" - Ms. Thoa warned. From the perspective of the publishing industry, the development of technology books also poses a requirement for change. "The publishing industry is no longer just writing and printing, but must understand the experience, technology and user behavior. This is a very large transformational period" - Ms. Phuong Thoa said. In that context, the question is how to balance innovation and preserving the traditional values of reading. Ms. Phuong Thoa emphasized the role of families and schools in orienting and the greatest value of reading is not in information, but in the ability to help people "calm down".
