Effects of AR‐ and VR‐based wearables in teaching English: The application of an ARCS model‐based learning design to improve elementary school students' learning motivation and performance

• Published in: Journal of computer assisted learning Vol. 39; no. 5; pp. 1510 - 1527
• Main Authors: Hung, Cheng‐Yu, Lin, Yen‐Ting, Yu, Shih‐Jou, Sun, Jerry Chih‐Yuan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.10.2023; Wiley; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Academic Achievement; ARCS model; Assistive Technology; Attention; Augmented reality; CAI; Computer assisted instruction; Computer Simulation; Confidence; Context; Educational Environment; Elementary School Students; English (Second Language); Immersion Programs; Instructional Design; Learning Motivation; learning performance; Learning Processes; Memory; Multiple regression analysis; Performance prediction; School environment; Second Language Learning; Simulated Environment; Teaching methods; Virtual environments; Virtual reality; wearable technologies; Wearable technology
• ISSN: 0266-4909; 1365-2729
• DOI: 10.1111/jcal.12814

Background Previous research has examined the use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in English language teaching. However, to the best of our knowledge, none of the earlier studies that investigated integrating AR and VR “wearables” into teaching and learning English based on the attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction (ARCS) motivation model compared the differences in learning motivation and performance between traditional teaching methods and those using AR‐ and VR‐based using wearables. Objectives To create a thematic learning environment based on learners' lived experiences and provide them with an immersive English course that extends textbook knowledge using a technology‐assisted real‐life learning context. Method This study used a quasi‐experimental research design. A total of 119 participants were spilt into three learning groups based on teaching tools: traditional methods and AR‐ and VR‐based wearable devices. The performance of each group was evaluated through three stages using appropriate educational tools for traditional, AR‐, and VR‐based classrooms, followed by semistructured interviews. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to investigate the inference learning performance (remembering and analysing) of the four ARCS dimensions with the three teaching methods. Results The results showed that confidence and relevance were positively correlated with learning performance in the VR‐based wearable group. In the context of the ARCS model, learners' confidence predicted learning performance and the remembering subdimension when VR‐based learning materials were used. Implications These results suggest that, compared to traditional teaching methods, VR‐based wearables make it easier to create a highly immersive learning environment and are more likely to help learners find the correct words, improve their accuracy, and increase their confidence and sense of accomplishment in the entire learning process. Lay Description Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) allow learners to apply memorized subject knowledge to real‐life scenarios. The attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction (ARCS) motivation model enhances learning. What this paper adds The study proposed the integration of AR and VR with “wearables” for teaching English. The study investigated the differences between how the teaching materials designed to incorporate different technological devices with the four ARCS dimensions predict their learning performance (remembering and analysing). Implications for practice and/or policy The ARCS motivation model‐based design allows learners using VR‐based wearables to learn English through multiple interactions in real‐time. Integrating daily life experiences with course materials can attract learners' attention in the early stages of teaching. VR‐based learning creates a virtual learning environment relevant to the learners, allows them to learn English thematically in an immersive environment, and allows them to interact with the system.