Mobile augmented reality learning objects in higher education

Faith Marcel

doi:10.25304/rlt.v27.2133

Mobile augmented reality learning objects in higher education

Faith Marcel Niagara College/ University of Toronto (OISE)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.25304/rlt.v27.2133

Keywords: mixed reality, augmented reality, mobile augmented reality, technology in higher education, learning objects, digital trace data

Abstract

Teachers and learners in all sectors of education continue to have access to a growing number of mobile augmented reality (AR) applications for the creation and implementation of mobile AR experiences and learning objects (LOs). In this study, affordances of mobile AR and LOs for higher education are investigated through the mobile AR platform HP Reveal. Digital trace data from publicly shared and published AR users’ LOs were examined to investigate affordances of AR technology in educational organisations and institutions and their potential implications in areas of higher education. For this purpose, a quantitative comparative analysis of system data and content from 632 AR LOs was conducted at two instances over a 2-year interval period. Each LO was thematically coded to determine multimodal functionalities and characteristics. Further thematic coding and categorisation revealed four emergent categories for affordances in higher education: learner interaction, collaboration, cultural exploration and digital storytelling. Results also revealed increases over time in the use of recorded and online video content and the use of three-dimensional (3D) characters for educational purposes. An examination of the affordances offered by the AR platform revealed opportunities for educators to explore further interactive and collaborative uses of AR with their learners for pedagogical purposes in higher education.

This paper is part of the special collection Mobile Mixed Reality Enhanced Learning, edited by Thom
Cochrane, Fiona Smart, Helen Farley and Vickel Narayan. More papers from this collection can be
found here.

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Author Biography

Faith Marcel, Niagara College/ University of Toronto (OISE)

Faith Marcel is a professor of EAP at Niagara College, Canada, and is also a PhD Candidate in Language and Literacies Education in the Collaborative Knowledge Media Design program at OISE/University of Toronto. She has over 20 years of experience in the field of language education, and her research interests include AR, VR and integrating educational technologies in higher education in pedagogically sound ways to promote greater engagement and interaction for all learners.

Published

2019-01-24

How to Cite

Marcel F. (2019). Mobile augmented reality learning objects in higher education. Research in Learning Technology, 27. https://doi.org/10.25304/rlt.v27.2133

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Issue

Vol. 27 (2019)

Section

Original Research Articles

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