Exploring the Promise of Augmented Reality for Dual Language Vocabulary Learning Among Bilingual Children

Abstract

There is increasing evidence supporting the efficacy of augmented reality (AR) education applications, yet comparatively few reports exploring AR for early childhood. Augmented reality is uniquely suited to language instruction and the early elementary context, thus has potential to support the growing number of English language learners (ELLs) in the United States. The current study describes the early stages in the development of a dual language AR application for teaching vocabulary to ELLs. We present iterative design data and a proof-of-prototype user study including child and parent acceptance data. Findings indicate that there is potential for AR to provide English vocabulary instruction with L1 supports for children.