Blog 4 - Boosting Learning with AR, Scaffolding, and Game-Based Strategies
- jessicasteele04
- Apr 10, 2023
- 2 min read
Augmented reality is a technology that blends computer-generated information with the real world. It lets us interact with both real and virtual objects at the same time. AR adds more information to the world around us through devices like smartphones and tablets. We can see, hear, feel, and experience computer-generated information in the real world (Bower et. Al., 2014).
Augmented reality has been around for a long time, however, only recently has been developed into more practical and useable forms. Because of this, it has attracted more attention within the education space and is seen as a tool that teachers can use to enhance students learning (Wu Lee, et. Al., 2013).
Augmented reality within education can often be linked with scaffolding and game-based learning (Hou, & Keng, 2021). Scaffolding is a key concept in Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, and it highlights the importance of social interaction and support in the learning process (Puntambekar, 2022) and game-based learning developed from multiple education theories with the key concept of an instructional approach using games that facilitate and enhance learning (Hou, & Keng, 2021).
Augmented reality enables scaffolding and game-based learning by offering learners feedback, guidance, and visual aids in an immersive learning environment. This helps learners to acquire new skills and knowledge and stay motivated, increasing engagement and persistence.
Fetch Lunch Rush is an augmented reality maths game teachers can download onto their phones. It uses multiple math concepts and turns them into games that engages students and creates problem solving skills all within the game (Fetch Lunch Rush, 2023).
Video: Youtube video of young girl playing Fetch Lunch Rush
Teachers can use Fetch Lunch Rush in a lesson that includes scaffolding by providing support to students as they play the game, such as
· By modelling problem-solving strategies – class plays all together with teacher guiding them through.
· By asking questions to prompt critical thinking and providing hints or feedback to guide their decision-making – Individually playing.
Teachers can also adjust the difficulty level of the game based on the students' abilities and age, as well as provide additional resources like counting blocks and times tables sheets.
Figure 1. Screenshot of starting page from my phone (Fetch Lunch Rush, 2023).
REFERENCES
Bower, Howe, C., McCredie, N., Robinson, A., & Grover, D. (2014). Augmented Reality in education - cases, places and potentials. Educational Media International, 51(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/09523987.2014.889400
Chang, Binali, T., Liang, J.-C., Chiou, G.-L., Cheng, K.-H., Lee, S. W.-Y., & Tsai, C.-C. (2022). Ten years of augmented reality in education: A meta-analysis of (quasi-) experimental studies to investigate the impact. Computers and Education, 191, 104641–. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2022.104641
Hou, & Keng, S.-H. (2021). A Dual-Scaffolding Framework Integrating Peer-Scaffolding and Cognitive-Scaffolding for an Augmented Reality-Based Educational Board Game: An Analysis of Learners’ Collective Flow State and Collaborative Learning Behavioral Patterns. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 59(3), 547–573. https://doi.org/10.1177/0735633120969409
Puntambekar. (2022). Distributed Scaffolding: Scaffolding Students in Classroom Environments. Educational Psychology Review, 34(1), 451–472. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-021-09636-3
ChatGPT has been used for the final edit of this post.
Hi Jess,
Your blog post on Boosting Learning with AR, Scaffolding, and Game-Based Strategies is both insightful and visually appealing. The layout is clean, well-organized, and reader-friendly, with the use of images and clear headings that effectively guide the reader through the content.
The post provides valuable information about augmented reality and its applications in education, particularly in relation to scaffolding and game-based learning. Your inclusion of the Fetch Lunch Rush example, along with the video, helps to contextualize the concepts and shows how AR can be effectively implemented in the classroom.
Overall, this is an excellent post with a visually engaging presentation. Keep up the great work!
By Qiqi Chai (13/04/2023)
Hi Jess,
Your blog post on AR, Scaffolding, and Game-Based Strategies is an excellent resource for educators looking to innovate their teaching methods. The integration of augmented reality with scaffolding and game-based learning is well-explained, and the example of Fetch Lunch Rush effectively demonstrates its practical application in the classroom.
The visuals and video you've included make the content more engaging and accessible. Your writing style is clear and concise, which helps readers quickly grasp the key concepts.
As a suggestion for improvement, you could consider discussing potential challenges or drawbacks of implementing AR in classrooms to present a balanced perspective. Overall, fantastic work, Jess!
A great post!
By Qiqi Chai (13/04/2023)
Hi Jess,
Fetch Lunch Rush sounds like a really cool AR app, although you could have spent more time discussing its uses. It seems that it is an AR app that would require a tablet, this could pose an issue as not all student could have access to a tablet. Aside from that, you gave good detail about the benefits of using AR in education and linked it with appropriate pedagogy.
Sarah Hattam
Hi Jess,
Great read, I enjoyed your thorough explanation of AR, it really explains how AR can be used in education and can enhance students learning. However, I feel like the majority of your blog has focused on explaining AR, which hasn't left much room on explaining your technology Fetch Launch Rush. I would've liked to see a more in depth explanation of this app especially since its the first time I come across it. I loved the structure and flow of your writing. I also think adding limitations of the app would be great for teachers to consider using Fetch Launch Rush in the classroom.
Jana Khaled (12/04/2023)
Hello Jess,
I really enjoyed reading your blog on AR as this is the first time I come across the app Fetch Launch Rush. I found it really interesting and will definitely consider using this technology within my classroom to teach math lessons. You have provided a great definition of AR and have described how it benefits students and enhances their learning well. You have provided relevant references to back your arguments which is fantastic as teachers will definitely find them useful. The video is very helpful as it shows teachers how the app is played by students and shows them how the students are engaged with their learning in maths.
I would have liked to see some original videos…