Interacting with Augmented Reality: How Does Location-Based AR Enhance Learning?

Augmented Reality (AR) can provide additional information about mediated events, but can it enhance our learning and comprehension? We performed a user study of a location-based AR application in order to answer this question. A 2-condition (AR modality vs. non-AR digital book modality) between-subjects experiment with 36 dyads of secondary school students in Singapore was conducted to examine how the use of AR modality in an educational context impacts students’ learning performance. Data from the experiment showed that location-based AR improved students’ learning performance by catching their attention and enhancing their ability to elaboratively process the information they encountered. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.