Support for Augmented Reality Simulation Systems: The Effects of Scaffolding on Learning Outcomes and Behavior Patterns

An AR-based simulation system that integrates background knowledge and experimental support (AR-SaBEr) was designed as a learning tool for teaching basic principles of electricity to ninth-grade students. The aim of this study was to investigate how supporting the learner focus on meaningful activities affects behavior and learning performance. The sample was 82 students, who were randomly assigned to two groups. The control group used AR-SaBEr with no support for recommending activities. The experimental group had personalized extra support designed to help learners focus on the subject matters that they did not master. The study found that learners from the experimental group showed better learning achievements than those who participated in the control group. Furthermore, learners' behavioral patterns were dependent upon the support received. Learners from the control group were more willing to browse information about activities than to read about the subject before experimenting. Learners from the experimental group browsed information about prior to carrying them out and read about the subject matter prior to experimentation. The observed behavioral patterns and learning achievements suggest that in augmented reality based simulation environments, it is worth providing mechanisms to focus the attention of students on the most relevant topics for them.