“Mandarin AR” : An Augmented Reality Application for Mandarin Vocabulary Self-Directed Learning

Abstract

The demand of foreign language learning such as Mandarin has increased globally. More efforts have been taken up especially in the tertiary level to further improve learning experience in line with the increasing demand and needs of students in learning. Since technology has been the key element in the journey to deal with language courses, Augmented Reality (AR) is seen as a transformative tool that has shown a promise in self-directed learning of foreign language, particularly in vocabulary acquisition. However, the potential of AR in this context is less explored in Malaysia. Therefore, this study addresses the gap by concentrating on a self-developed "Mandarin AR" application (app), used as a supplementary tool for introductory Mandarin courses. This study focused on the self-developed “Mandarin AR” app as an additional instructional tool for Introductory Mandarin courses.   The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of the “Mandarin AR” app for improving students’ vocabulary with visual-verbal-auditory features, and to create a flexible, enjoyable, flipped, and self-regulated learning environment for students. This study used the quantitative method involving 238 students who enrolled in a course namely Introductory Mandarin 1. The data analysed using a descriptive analysis, revealed that the design, content, and presentation of the “Mandarin AR’ app were suitable for them to learn Mandarin vocabulary in the self-directed learning environment. It is hoped that the finding of the research could be a guideline for practitioners venturing into the AR integration in language education.

Keywords: Augmented reality, Instructional tool, Mandarin, Self-directed learning, Vocabulary

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-33-12

Publication date: November 30^th 2023