The DARE Project: Exploring Creative Multimedia Students’ Acceptance Towards Augmented Reality-enhanced Learning Environments

Abstract

In an effort to prepare graduates for the onset of Industry 4.0, higher education institutions in Malaysia have been heeding the call by the Malaysian Ministry of Education to look into the utilization of technology to digitize learning materials and bring classrooms online. However, the physical learning space or classroom has largely remained the same. Hence there is a growing need to ensure that the physical learning environments are as engaging and immersive as online learning environments. Augmented Reality (AR) emerges as one of the key technologies that educators can use to “augment” the physical learning space. This paper presents a study that looked into the use of AR technology with Authentic Learning elements to develop AR-enhanced learning materials that can be used in a classroom. Students’ perceptions and attitudes towards AR-enhanced learning were investigated through the use of a Technology Acceptance Model questionnaire. Results provide encouraging support for further research and development of AR-enhanced learning materials to create physical learning environments as students were positive towards the use of the AR learning app and showed a positive intention to use similar AR applications in the near future.