Exploring the Application of Augmented Reality Technology in Early Childhood Classroom in Malaysia

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to observe the familiarity of the AR application especially its implementation in a learning environment, and to determine the effectiveness of AR application in the classroom. The use of Augmented Reality (AR) in the classroom has the potential to enhance the traditional learning method. This study uses AR technology to implement an AR-learning environment for preschool children. Although previous studies have indicated that the AR technology enhances learning effectiveness, some other issues may cause negative effects. Therefore, this study is carried out to measure preschool children's motivational level and engagement after implementing this technology in the classroom. Results suggest that the AR technology is effective in maintaining a high level of motivation and engagement among preschool children.

A Study of Students’ Motivation Based on Ease of Use, Engaging, Enjoyment and Fun Using the Augmented Reality Science Textbook

“…Based on previous evaluation results, AR with multimedia based learning was able to provide engaging (Pribeanu, 2014;Abhishek et al, 2013;Dunser et al, 2012;Rambli et al, 2012;Abas et al, 2011), enjoyment (Pribeanu, 2014;Cai et al, 2014;Ibanez et al, 2014;Abhishek et al, 2013) and fun (Rasalingam et al, 2014;Rambli et al, 2013;Yusoff et al, 2010;McKenzie and Darnell, 2003) in enhancing the motivation. However, in this study, ease of use is not significantly related to motivation.…”

“…The feeling of fun enhances the ability of understanding and knowledge retention (Rambli et al, 2013). Several previous studies have proven that AR is fun to use in the learning process (Rasalingam et al, 2014;Rambli et al, 2013;Yusoff et al, 2010;McKenzie and Darnell, 2003). …”

“…Hair et al (2006) claim that learning through seeing and listening enhances the student's understanding in a learning process. Other than that, learning is a prominent process and it would be more effective and long lasting if certain senses, such hearing, sight, touch and emotions are involved (Rasalingam et al, 2014).…”

Pengembangan Media Pembelajaran Untuk Anak Usia Dini Menggunakan Augmented Reality

“…Penggunaan Augmented Reality yang ditujukan kepada anak usia dini telah dikembangkan oleh beberapa peneliti diantaranya adalah penelitian yang dilakukan oleh Rasslenda-Rass [11] yang menghasilkan tingkat ketertarikan dan motivasi anak menggunakan augmented reality dibandingkan pembelajaran secara konvensional. Penelitian ini menghasilkan AR Flashcard yang didesain untuk aplikasi iOS.…”

Design and Development of an Augmented Reality Book and Mobile Application to Enhance the Handwriting-Instruction for Pre-School Children

“…Based on observatory studies conducted on existing educational AR applications, researchers have identified increased motivation, active engagement, "improved perceived enjoyment", increased accessibility and variety of education content, complements active learning, "greater opportunities for collaboration", improved capacity to retain information, facilitates understanding of the subject or topic, rendering concrete manifestations of abstract concepts, "provides powerful contextual, on-site learning" as benefits of using AR [4] [15]. AR has been implied to be successful especially in engaging learners in learning a particular topic, subject or concept.…”