Augmented Reality: An Immersive Technology to Enhance Science Teaching

Abstract

Augmented Reality is the integration of physical world into virtual environment while Google Lens allows the quick-scan of information through a smartphone’s camera. With the demand of 21st century and the advancements of technologies, education must evolve and should not be left behind. Google Lens is widely utilized to gather information and there were existing data on utilization of it in plants recognition. However, there were insufficient studies showing its effectiveness in enhancing student’s academic performance in science education leading to the conduct of this study. This study aimed to thoroughly investigate the principles and applications of augmented reality in studying ecosystem, with a specific focus on its integration into the development of lesson exemplar in science. Quasi-experimental, mixed method design was used to gather data where a total of 36 learners as the participants of the study, 50% of students were assigned to experimental group and the same number of students in the control group. The findings showed that statistically, there is no significant difference between the post–test scores of the control and experimental groups after the intervention however, there is a minimal effect on student’s academic performance. Students’ experiences using augmented reality encompasses on utilizing Google Lens that helps them deepen their understanding of the ecosystem. On the other hand, it fosters collaborative learning between the teacher and the learners in the actual classroom setting. Google Lens has a minimal effect as intervention in learning ecosystem but can enhance student’s performance with proper utilization and teacher’s guidance.