Evaluation of AR embedded physical puzzle game on students’ learning achievement and motivation on elementary natural science

ABSTRACT

Emerging technologies have been widely used in applications designed to increase potential for learning enhancement. This study develops a mobile application to integrate augmented reality (AR) functionality into physical puzzle-type games. In the application, learners see visualizations of three-dimensional (3D) dinosaurs and interact with relevant multimedia learning content. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed platform, experiments were conducted to evaluate impact on learner achievement and motivation. Experimental (AR-based) and control (paper-based) groups included a total of 53 fifth-grade students. Pre- and post-activity questionnaires (adapted from the Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction (ARCS) Model of Motivational Design), and pre- and post-learning quizzes were used for assessment. Results showed that the AR-based group scored significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the Paper-based group, raising implications for a new approach to teaching natural science at the elementary school level. However, the AR-based group also showed a relative drop in confidence, suggesting that further investigation is needed to understand the impact of AR technology on learner motivation. This study provides a case for the integration of AR technology into typical physical games. The results raise important concerns for further research in technology enhancement in education. Future research should include a wider range of content topics and target groups.

KEYWORDS:

• Augmented reality
• AR-embedded physical puzzle game
• elementary natural science learning
• ARCS model of motivational design
• Cretaceous dinosaurs and fossils

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank the students, teachers, and research assistants who contributed to this work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Su-Ju Lu is a Professor at National Taipei University of Education and a faculty member of the Department of Digital Technology Design. Her research interests include e-learning, toy/game-based learning, augmented reality, and digital education product for children.

Ying-Chieh Liu is an Associate Professor at Chang-Gung University and a faculty member of the Industrial Design Department. His research focuses on engineering design and interdisciplinary design to improve design/innovation effectiveness. Specific interests include conceptual design, mHealth, inclusive design, and interdisciplinary design.

Po-Ju Chen is a teacher at Long Pu Elementary School. Her primary research interests are toy/game-based learning, and augmented reality.

Mu-Rong Hsieh is a master student enrolled in the Master Program in Toy and Game Design at National Taipei University of Education. Her primary research interests are toy/game-based learning, and augmented reality.

ORCID

Su-Ju Lu http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1088-1628

Ying-Chieh Liu http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1876-7632

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan under [grant number MOST 105-2511-S-152-003-MY2, 105-2221-E-182-044, and 102-2511-S-152-009-MY2] and the Research Fund of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou under [grant number BMRPD67].