Augmented Reality as a Pedagogical Technique

Abstract

Abstract Augmented reality (AR) enhances the user's view of an object, image, or a printed page through the overlaid display of a textual annotation, image, audiovisual clip, animation, or online resource. That typically occurs through the use of an AR app and a camera on a smartphone. As a way to enhance pedagogical texts or to add explanatory or supplementary digital information to a site of interest, AR has been used in a variety of ways, including in education at all levels and in most academic fields. Studies of AR use have shown generally positive learning gains, with in particular increases in learner motivation and engagement. The use of AR aligns with a variety of educational learning theories, including constructivism and embodied cognition. For language learning, AR offers contextualized learning in authentic, real‐world environments. In that way, it can bring together formal, in‐class instruction with informal, incidental learning. In the classroom, AR is most frequently used to work with learning vocabulary. Location‐based AR leverages built‐in GPS and camera functionalities to enable place‐based information to be displayed. This has been widely used to create digital guides or learning trails as well as mobile games. AR is likely to become more widely used with the advent of more AR‐capable devices, such as smart glasses.