Design and development of augmented reality application for basic concepts of computer systems

The aim of this study is to design and develop an augmented reality based mobile application (HardwARe teaching material) based on the “Computer Systems” subject outcomes in the 5th grade curriculum. In the design and development phase of the HardwARe teaching material, the design-based research (DBR) method, which is frequently preferred in the design and development processes of a product, was employed (Kuzu et al., Anadolu Journal of Educational Sciences International 1(1:)19–35, 2011). In this method, which consists of cycles until the design is optimized, the research is carried out with the presence of the researcher and the target group in the environment at the same time (Wang & Hannafin, Educational Technology Research and Development, 53(4):5-23, 2005). The design and development stages of the HardwARe instructional material were carried out in five cycles with eight ICT teachers, two academicians specialized in the field of ICT and 15 students representing the target group. At the end of the process, an augmented reality supported (hardwARe) teaching material was developed for the targeted subject outcomes. In the process of developing the first prototype of the teaching material, three categories were identified: content, design and interaction. All subsequent cycles were based on these categories. After the completion of all the cycles, a design framework that is a suggestion for new AR applications to be developed for similar purposes was revealed. In this framework, within the scope of the content category, results such as meeting the subject outputs, the writing language used should be appropriate to the level of the target audience, and the multimedia elements used should contain sufficient information were obtained. Within the scope of the design category, abstract concepts within the scope of the subject should be concretized, button and text sizes, instructions and voiceovers used for informative purposes should be appropriate for the target group level. Finally, within the scope of the interaction category, results such as it should be easy to use, there should be instant feedback, buttons should fully fulfill their functions were reached.