Towards Sustainable Education with the Use of Mobile Augmented Reality in Early Childhood and Primary Education: A Systematic Mapping

Abstract

Over the years, educational institutions have faced significant difficulties in the teaching process at all educational levels, due to lack of motivation, concentration, attention, and confidence, among other aspects. In this sense, information and communication technologies can be the answer to transform educational models. One of the most promising and accessible technologies in recent years is mobile augmented reality (MAR), which allows students to visualize content through a mobile device combining the real environment with a virtual environment, providing an interactive and digital vision of the physical world in real time. The appropriate use of digital technologies in early childhood and primary education can promote socialization, comprehension, learning, language development, attention, and other educational benefits. However, due to the novelty of this technology, there is limited research and a gap in the literature on the use of MAR at these educational levels. This research work, through systematic mapping, aims to give an overview of how AR and mobile devices have been used in the last decade, which academic areas have benefited from the use of this innovative academic approach, and the main benefits and problems of using this technology in early and primary education. The findings are encouraging and show that AR technology, together with mobile devices, can be used to support the teaching of science, mathematics, reading, language, geography, etc.

Children in the Digital Space: Issues Researched and Suggestions for Future Research

“…AI literacy is a crucial part of digital literacy and little research has been done on how to teach AI literacy to children (Yang et al, 2024). Also, augmented reality technology, together with mobile devices, can be beneficial to support the teaching of science, mathematics, reading, or language (Criollo-C et al, 2024). By addressing these and other relevant research topics, scholars will contribute to a better understanding of the complex interplay between children and digital space, ultimately informing policies, practices, and interventions to support healthy digital development.…”

Influence of Virtual Reality and Gamification Combined with Practice Teaching Style in Physical Education on Motor Skills and Students’ Perceived Effort: A Mixed-Method Intervention Study

“…The incorporation of VR in the educational environment can play a key role in realizing the fourth objective of the sustainable development goals, adjusting to accommodate diverse needs and pedagogical methods, addressing the unique abilities and preferences of each student, offering more engaging and visual educational experiences [4]. Additionally, the application of VR, along with gamification strategies, can contribute to sustainable development in this context, involving teaching methodologies that guarantee the persistence, excellence, and positive influence of education over time, without jeopardizing the requirements of future generations [71].…”

“…VR and gamification can enhance the quality of education and the active participation of students, fostering a more profound comprehension, serving as a solution to innovate an appealing educational model for upcoming generations of students [71,72]. Lastly, the implementation of sustainable practices in technology usage, such as the creation of energy-saving applications and contemplation of their ecological impact, can promote a conscientious use of technology, in harmony with the tenets of sustainable development [72].…”

The Relationship between Geographical Self-Efficacy and Academic Achievements in Geography: A Moderated Mediating Model

“…UNESCO urges countries to promote education for sustainable development in its Sustainable Development Goals [1]. Sustainable education entails transferring knowledge and skills, and fostering positive values and attitudes towards lifelong learning that contribute to sustainable development [2]. Geography education plays a significant role in cultivating learners' understanding and abilities related to sustainable development, making it a key component of sustainable development education [3].…”