La integración de la Realidad Aumentada (RA) en el aula de inglés

Abstract

Augmented reality (AR) has established itself as a pedagogical tool in today's educational environment (López-Belmonte et al. 2023). In the area of language learning and teaching, AR provides unique opportunities to integrate learners into immersive language scenarios, combining the real environment with interactive digital elements (Cai et al. 2022, Wedyan et al. 2022). This integration of technology and pedagogy not only enhances learner motivation, but also creates a bridge between linguistic theory and its practical application in authentic contexts. Therefore, there is a growing interest in the pedagogical uses of AR thanks to the expansion of mobile devices, the availability of AR software kits (Augment, Roar ZAPworks, etc), and the popularity of video games such as Pokémon Go and AR Sports Basketball. This research focuses on analyzing the digital and pedagogical skills of future educators to use AR effectively in the English as a foreign language (EFL) classroom. For this purpose, 82 university students participated in an experiment in which they had to collaboratively design their own AR projects aimed at teaching English to target students. The study was carried out using a mixed method involving f ive stages: pre-production, preparation, presentation, reflection and evaluation. Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered through surveys based on the TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge) model and semi-structured interviews. Participants designed and implemented their AR projects in English and shared them in the classroom. The results revealed certain problems related to the TCK (Technological Content) and TPK (Pedagogical Content) intersections of the TPACK model, as participants had experience as AR recipients but not as content creators or educators. The qualitative results unveiled that prospective teachers’ lack pedagogical knowledge to create their own content and teach English using AR. These results demonstrate the need for better digital and pedagogical training regarding the use of AR technology in the classroom..