Investigating the Role of Augmented Reality Technology in the Language Classroom

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to inform about some of the current applications and literature on Augmented Reality (AR) technology in education and to present experimental data about the effectiveness of AR application in a language classroom at the elementary level in Turkey. The research design of the study was quasi-experimental. Sixty-one 5th grade students from a state elementary school participated in this research on a volunteer basis. The participants were divided into the experimental and control group, where new vocabulary items were introduced to the experimental group through augmented reality technology. A post-test and a retention test were administered upon the implementation of the program. The results of the study revealed that participants from the experimental group achieved higher scores than participants in the control group and they also performed better in recalling the learnt information. This study suggested that the use of AR technology in a language classroom at the elementary level increased learners' performances and made vocabulary learning more effective in comparison with the traditional methods.