Examining Student Perception on Mobile Augmented Reality Integration, Gender Differences, Learning Styles, Feedback, Challenges, and Opportunities in an Online Physics Class

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the perception of STEM students (n = 147) on using mobile Augmented Reality (AR) across gender and learning styles in physics online classes. It utilized embedded mixed-method research and purposive sampling. An instrument named Students Perception in Integrating Mobile AR in Physics Class was developed and has undergone a series of validations such as item generation from literature review, content validation, cognitive interview, pilot testing, and exploratory factor analysis revealing two factors, CFA with indices that are of acceptable value, and good Cronbach alpha (α = 0.86) for reliability. Mean, standard deviation, percentages, two samples t-test, and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data. Results revealed that all students have a source of internet connection as well as a device to use and most of them have a very stable to somewhat stable internet connection. Positive feedback was shown in terms of overall learning experience and perception across gender and learning styles. However, in terms of overall usability, females have more ease of use compared to males and kinesthetic learners only have a positive response. It was also found that there is no significant difference across gender. Moreover, the integration of AR in a physics lesson has received excellent responses from both students with and without prior experience in a classroom setting. All of the difficulties the students encountered were technological in nature. There are also opportunities to improve the integration of mobile AR in the technical and learning process. These results suggest that teachers should integrate mobile AR in online physics classes but should consider factors such as Internet connection, device, gender, and learning styles in developing the application.