Enhanced Digital Learning Experience in Solving Math Functions through Augmented Reality

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

ICT integration in Mathematics education provides teachers with integrative teaching methods that motivates student learning and active participation. However, this promising practice is dependent on various factors such as teacher’s expertise and student’s attitude towards ICT materials. It is a challenge to look for appropriate ICT materials and let the students understand basic mathematical concepts. The researcher believes that augmented reality isthe key to address these challenges.

METHODS

The researcher utilized augmented reality using mobile devices as direction for his action research. Mobile apps like Photomath provides digital solving steps and graphs while Augment displays 3D models of Mathematical functions using trackers. Using an AR worksheet, 27 students from Grade 11 STEM underwent an intervention. The researcher conducted two sets of exams before and after the intervention. Added to the worksheet was a Math journal to record students'sentiments when using the worksheet.

RESULTS

Test results showed that mean percentage scores during pretest was 31.78 while scores during post-test was 37.56. In comparison, it showed that posttest MPS was 5.78 points higher than the pretest. A positive increase in MPS resulted in an increase of Mastery of Learning (MOL) of 11.56%. The test results suggested that the AR worksheet had an effect in relation to test scores. Through the Math journal, the researcher found out that the intervention was easy and convenient to use. Students could solve problems even without books and draw the exact graph. Students engage in digital learning experiences–a common learning experience in 21st Century. Contrarily, the AR worksheet was ineffective when there was no stable internet connectivity. Some students did not have their own smartphones and Math solutions were not yet saved on the Photomath database.

DISCUSSIONS

There was an increase on Mean Percentage Scores between the pretest and posttest. The increase suggests a positive impact of AR worksheets as an intervention. Augmented Reality enhanced ICT-based instruction when learning Math concepts. This ICT-enhanced intervention may be used in other disciplines especially when Augment apps are used. Proper training on development and preparation of AR worksheets is needed before employing them in the teaching-learning process.