Effects of Learning Activities Based on Augmented Reality on Students ’ Understanding and Expression in an English Class

Abstract

In English as foreign language(EFL) learning, students’ understanding and expression of the context are very important. However, teachers usually meet difficulties in explaining scientific phenomenon with easily understandable English words when teaching text related to science. It leads students to mechanically understand and memorize according to their own imagination. In this study, a series of learning activities based on Augmented Reality (AR) technology was carried out to cope with this problem. A specially developed AR application created a virtual-reality combined environment for students to observe and interact with the sun and the earth in grade 4. Moreover, diverse research methods were used to analyze students’ understanding about learning content and oral expression about learning topic. The experimental results reveals that learning activities based on AR can assist students in the construction of understanding and expression about learning contents. Furthermore, by interviewing the students, the mechanism of how AR worked in this class was reported. Students have more time to learn and communicate in AR-based activities. They acquire more knowledge by interacting with other people in light of learning materials, instead of passively listening to the teacher or reading books. In this regard, they get more authentic and profound learning experience to support be tter understanding and expression of learning contents. These findings can be valuable references for those who intend to implement learning activities based on AR or those who want to improve students’ understanding and expression in EFL classes.