Hands-on operation with a Rolling Alphabet-AR System improves English learning achievement

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to use augmented reality and hands-on activity with phonics cubes to create an augmented reality English learning system named the Rolling Alphabet-AR System to investigate its impact on English learning, flow experience, and English self-efficacy for sixth graders. This study adopted quasi-experimental research on 114 sixth graders from Taiwan, which comprised experimental and control groups. The experimental group used the Rolling Alphabet-AR System to learn, and the control group used flash cards and picture cards. Before and after the experiments, these two groups took the Phonics vocabulary, flow experience, and English self-efficacy scales as pre- and posttests. The study was conducted 7 times in 7 weeks for a total of 280 minutes. The pre- and posttest results were analysed by independent sample t tests in SPSS 20.0. Using the Rolling Alphabet-AR System in English learning positively impacts English learning effectiveness and flow experience for sixth graders. This study combined AR learning with manual operations to prove that this combination can effectively improve students’ English learning results.

KEYWORDS:

• Applications in subject areas
• Augmented and virtual reality
• Elementary education
• Media in education
• Mobile learning

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This paper is based on research funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan [grant no MOST 108-2511-H-152-009].

Notes on contributors

Yuan-Chen Liu

Yuan-Chen Liu is a professor in the computer science department at the National Taipei University of Education. He is an expert in communication integrated circuit design, multimedia networks, digital image processing, video processing, and computer-assisted instruction.

Tzu-Hua Huang

Tzu-Hua Huang is an associate professor in the department of education at the University of Taipei and a visiting scholar at the University of Glasgow in the UK. He is an expert in aboriginal science education, information technology integrated into instruction, digital teaching aids design, special course design, and digital learning.

I-Hsuan Lin

I-Hsuan Lin is an English teacher in Lu Jiang elementary school, Luzhou District, New Taipei City, Taiwan.