The Effectiveness of Augmented Reality App to Improve Students Achievement in Learning Introduction to Animals

Journal of Education and Learning (EduLearn)
Vol.12, No.4, November 2018, pp. 651~657
ISSN: 2089-9823 DOI: 10.11591/edulearn.v12i4.9334  651
Journal homepage: http://journal.uad.ac.id/index.php/EduLearn
The Effectiveness of Augmented Reality App to Improve
Students Achievement in Learning Introduction to Animals
Nisaun Markamah, Subiyanto, Agus Murnomo
Departement of Electrical Engineering, Universitas Negeri Semarang, Semarang, Indonesia
Article Info ABSTRACT
Article history:
Received Mar 21, 2018
Revised Apr 21, 2018
Accepted Jun 1, 2018
In this experimental study, AR book app is used to improve student learning
outcome of kindergarten in animal introduction subject. AR book app is an
application based on Augmented Reality (AR) technology that adapts the
kindergarten curriculum in Indonesia. AR book app has included 3D view and
animal video. 3D based learning makes it easy for students to visualize
learning materials and video based learning to makes students give attention
when learning activity. In a field experiment at kindergarten, 111 kindergarten
students was divided into two groups participated in learning activity that
using different learning media. The two groups were group A and group B.
Group A is an experimental group which taught using Augmented Reality
(AR) book app. Group B is control group which taught using group note
methods. Experimental result showed that students’ performance in learning
improved significantly by using Augmented Reality (AR) book app media. In
this study, students indicated that the experimental group learning outcome is
better than the control group.
Keywords:
Augmented reality (AR)
Kindergarten
Learning introduction to
animals
Copyright © 2018 Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science.
All rights reserved.
Corresponding Author:
Nisaun Markamah,
Departemen of Electrical Engineering,
Universitas Negeri Semarang,
Unnes Sekaran Campus, Gunungpati, Sekaran, Gn. Pati, Semarang City, Central Java, 50229, Indonesia.
Email: nisaunmarkamah@gmail.com
1. INTRODUCTION
Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) advancements have made computers are vital
in education by providing new learning media, contents and strategies [1]. Nowadays, the Information and
Communication Technology (ICT) had been a real role, including the life of Children. Children are attentive
in ICT by combining both playing and learning. ICT helps to develop curiosity, observation, and
experimentation in children. Therefore, need to be made tools, apps, and services specifically for children [2].
Recently to improve user satisfaction and experience in learning Technology Enhanced Learning
(TEL) has increased the development of new technologies, one of which is Augmented Reality (AR) [3]. In a
survey defines that Augmented Reality (AR) need to have three characters that are combining real and virtual,
interactive in real time, and 3D object [4]. Appearing of 3D objects in real world creates a magical feeling
causing a high degree of surprise and curiosity [5].
Based the study regarding the technology trends in education, and forecasted that the use of mobile
AR in education is one of the promising research areas in the near future [6]. In addition, texts, images, videos,
and animations as well as 3D models can be used for made learning media Augmented Reality (AR). It is this
factor that makes AR effective [7].
AR can show virtual objects display information that can help the user perform tasks [8]. Augmented
Reality (AR) is one the growing technologies that have a great pedagogical potential and increasingly
developed by educational researchers [9]. AR technology means people ability performance was significantly
better and enrich students learning motivation as well as their frustration tolerance [10].

 ISSN: 2089-9823
EduLearn Vol. 12, No. 4, November 2018 : 651 – 657
652
Through AR, learning has been brought to a new dimension where the students can easily visualize
subjects and easily understand complex concepts [11]. In addition, the experiment results show that the student
experimental group obtained significant results in terms of motivation, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction
in using AR-based mobile devices for learning [12]. The Learning achievement of experimental group use AR
learning significantly better than the control group, which is directly guided in the giving of information [13].
AR book learning group got better scores on the written test than the control group received learning with
lectures, slides, and video recordings [14]. Students who used Augmented Reality (AR) based media have
better academic performance than the group who used notes. In fact, 80% of students using AR based media
passed the final exam while only half of the students using group notes were able to do final exam [15]. While
currently many teachers still using traditional learning media [16] one of them using group note. The learning
outcomes of using group note result in low achievement [15,17].
One of the lessons in kindergarten is animals, on the contrary animals learning in kindergarten is still
less than optimal [18]. As a result in this study the researchers made a learning media using Augmented Reality
book (AR book) app with animals subject. To improve students learning outcome in learning introduction to
animals used AR book app in kindergarten as an alternative learning media. AR applications with animals
subject which is available are not adapt to the curriculum in Indonesia. In this study, AR book which is made
adapted to the curriculum of kindergartens in Indonesia with animals subject. Participants in this study were
group A and group B. Group A is an experimental group which is taught using AR book app. Group B is the
control group which is taught using group note. Pre-test and post-test were used to evaluate the effectiveness
of AR book app as learning media to introduction of animals.
2. ICT IN KINDERGARTEN
Although various technologies can be used for early childhood education, the use of computer and
smartphone are currently getting more attention [19]. Currently, many ICT applications and services have been
developed for children. With learning media, learning performances are more effective and more
children interaction [20].
Many researchers are developing ICT applications for kindergarten children aiming for the future to
prepare children for using ICT services in the modern world. E-learning in the world of children can help
develop knowledge and skills. With technology, education will provide different elements such as with text,
video, audio, graphics, and animation. This will make it easier for children to receive information [2].
3. AUGMENTED REALITY FOR EDUCATION
AR can be defined in which virtual objects are brought to the real world [21]. This technology allows
users to interact with virtual objects in real time [22]. Azuma defines a broad AR consisting of three
characteristics [4]: (a) the relationship between virtual objects that exist in the real world (b) users can interact
in real time (c) displaying objects in 3D. AR can be developed by utilizing and connecting innovative
technologies such as mobile devices and wearable computers [23]. Previously, desktop computers had the
ability to graphics processing to support AR implementations, but not portable due to hardware limitations. In
recent years and increasingly advanced technological developments, AR implementations use mobile devices
that have advantages such as graphics processing, portability, user-friendly, and personnel operations. [24]
Many educators and researchers are enthusiastic about using AR in the teaching and learning process
[25]. AR technology can provide new tools for building constructive learning environments. Previous research
has determined that the value of learning outcomes with AR media has increased significantly in recent years
so it is considered a significant pedagogical tool to improve learning outcomes [26]. AR technology is
recommended as a key technology education for the next five years [27]. Other studies emphasize five potential
applications of AR in education: (1) Studying the identification and observation of 3D objects [28]. (2)
Incorporating wireless Internet technologies and locations for learning anywhere [29]. (3) Create learners with
passion in the presence, readiness, and deepening of the material [30]. (4) visualizing the abstract concept [29].
(5) formal and informal learning acts [31].
4. RESEARCH METHOD
4.1. AR Book App
AR book app was developed using augmented reality technology based on a curriculum kindergarten
in Indonesia. AR book app in the study is used to provide a learning introduction to animals for kindergarten
students aged 5-6 years old. AR book app includes the name, food, place of living, and animals breeding. The
aim of using the AR book app is to teach the learning in 3D views. In the design process first, created a marker

EduLearn ISSN: 2089-9823 
The Effectiveness of Augmented Reality App to Improve Students Achievment... (Nisaun Markamah)
653
then register in vuforia after that printed marker on the book. The marker represents a single object of an animal
which developed using unity. The app already developed in unity in the build to a smart phone so that with
help of a camera on a smart phone when it detects a marker in the book, it will bring up a visualization of 3D
animals. AR book app can also detect video to teach the learning in 3d view. In this study, some animals which
contained in AR book app including giraffe, butterfly, chicken etc as an example in figure 1 that is giraffe
animal. In Figure 1, AR book app run on android which display the learning in 3D view. In this app includes
3d animals images, information from animals and students can rotate the animals to seen from all directions.
Figure 1. Sample AR Book App Run in Android
4.2. Research Design
The study sample was divided into two groups: experimental and control. These two learning models
have the same goal in introduction to animals, it is improving student’s achievement. The difference is one of
these two learning models using Augmented Reality (AR) book app as a media to support learning and other
models using group note. Experimental group learning used AR book app in learning introduction to animals,
while the control group learning activities used group note. After determining experimental and control group,
the next step is holding pre-test and post-test in each group to compare their achievement before and after
treatment.
4.3. Participants
The study was conducted in three schools with different backgrounds to determine the effectiveness
of AR book app in different cases. The study included students in kindergarten in the second semester of the
2017-2018 academic year in Semarang. Participants in the study were divided into two group: experimental
and control. The study participants in the first school are 47 students with details of 26 students for experimental
group (AR book app) and 21 students for control group (group note). The study participants in the second
school are 33 students with details of 15 students for experimental group (AR book app) and 18 students for
control group (group note) and the last study participants in third school are 31 students with details of 15
students for experimental group (AR book app) and 16 students for control group (group note).
4.4. Research Process
After determined the control and experimental groups. The first step of this study is to provide pre-
test questions related to introduction animals learning for students in experimental and control groups, to get
the value of Mean, Variance, and Standard Deviation. The next step is the provider of treatment, in control
group treatment is given group note while in experimental group using AR book app learning. The third step
is to do a post-test in both groups to compare the achievement results between control group who used group
note with experimental group who used the AR book app learning media. Then, the post-test results in each
group were calculated using independent sample t-test to find the effect of AR book app as learning media.
5. RESULTS AND ANALYSIS
Statistical tests are one part of applying experimental methods that allow researchers to make a cause-
and-effect relationship between an independent variable and a dependent variable [26]. As many as 20

 ISSN: 2089-9823
654
questions are given on to each student to know the students' understanding of name, food, place of living, and
animal breeding. This study used the t-test to determine the differences between the control and the
experimental groups is based post-test result. Tables 1 and 2 show the performance of learning on control and
experimental groups. Table 1 showed the pre-learning performance of control and experimental groups in each
school. Table 2 shows the post-learning performance of control and experimental groups in each school.
Table 1. The Result of the Learning Performance for Pretest in Control and Experimental Groups
School Group Participants High Scores Lowest Scores Mean
Standard
Deviation
School 1 Control 21 92 36 69,14 15,39
Experimental 26 96 28 60,31 16,77
School 2 Control 18 86 32 60,78 14,27
Experimental 15 84 48 68,80 11,33
School 3 Control 16 92 44 70,75 13,91
Experimental 15 84 48 68,40 11,86
Table 2. The Result of the Learning Performance for Posttest in Control and Experimental Groups
School Group Participants High Scores Lowest Scores Mean
Standard
Deviation
School 1 Control 21 100 56 83,62 10,65
Experimental 26 100 60 88,92 12,35
School 2 Control 18 96 56 74,22 10,10
Experimental 15 100 68 91,20 8,96
School 3 Control 16 96 64 79,25 10,35
Experimental 15 100 68 91,20 8,96
Table 2 is used in the next step to find out the effectiveness of AR as media on learning using
independent-sample t-test. The first step to calculate the t-test is searching for data normality with chi-square
(X2) and data homogeneity (F). The following results of the normality test are presented in Table 3. This
normality test uses student learning outcomes (pretest and posttest values). Data is normal if X2
count < X2
table
with dk = k-1 and α = 5%. The finally homogeneity test results are presented in table 4 data is homogeneity if
Fcount <Ftable with dk = k-1 and α = 5%.
Table 3. The Result of the Data Normality Test with Chi-Square (X2
) uses Students Learning Outcomes
(Pretest and Posttest Values)
School Group Data
X2
Criteria
Count Table
School 1 Control Pretest 2,97 11,07 Normally Distributed
Posttest 4,69 11,07 Normally Distributed
Experimental Pretest 2,13 11,07 Normally Distributed
Table 4. The Result of the Homogeneity Test (F)
School Data
F
Criteria
Count Table
School 1 Pretest 1,18 2,07 Homogene
Posttest 1,34 2,07 Homogene

655
Table 5 the results of posttest learning value between the control and experimental groups based on
the independent sample t-test. The result of posttest learning was significant by the first school (t = 2,20, p =
0,03 < 0,05), second school (t = 6,99 , p = 0,00 < 0,05), and third school (t = 4,58 , p = 0,00 < 0,05).
Table 5. The Results of the Posttest Learning Value Between the Control and Experimental Groups Based on
the Independent Sample T-test
School Group Participants df
T Sig. (two-tailed
test)
Count Table
School 1 Control 21 45 2,20 1,67 0,03*
Experimental 26
School 2 Control 18 31 6,99 1,69 0,00*
Experimental 15
School 3 Control 16 29 4,58 1,69 0,00*
Experimental 15
*Indicates p < 0,05
In Table 6 the gain score show improvement of learning outcomes from the pre-test and post-test
values of the experimental and control groups. From the results of the study showed that in the experimental
group there is a high increase compared to the control group
Table 6. Gain Scores
School Group
Mean
Gain Score Categories
Pretest Posttest
School 1 Control 69,14 83,61 0,46 Middle
Experimental 60,80 88,92 0,71 High
School 2 Control 60,77 74,22 0,34 Middle
School 3 Control 70,75 79,25 0,29 Low
This research was conducted to find out the effectiveness of augmented reality to improve student's
learning achievement in animal introduction learning. The t-test result is that students using AR book apps
perform significantly better than those taught using group notes. The results show that AR book applications
contribute to improving academic achievement rather than using group records. However, it was found that the
experimental group showed better results on achievement than the students in the control group. In the control
group, students need to visualize the object. In the experimental group, the child will see the object as 3D
directly. Students in the experimental group also pay more attention to the learning process, about which books
can bring up 3D objects makes them more curious, and this makes them more interested in learning. The
participants considered the AR book app as magical.
In this study, AR book applications using smartphones so that with AR-based learning can be done anywhere
and anytime.
Basically, children in the current era cannot be separated from the smartphone. They are less interested
in story-based media that makes them bored quickly. With the technology, they are more interested in video,
song, animation. So with the AR application, it can include video, song, 3D animation in one application so
that children will be more interested. Where it can be applied to their learning media in school to attract students
in learning.
This changes the negative thoughts of parents to a smartphone, they can provide learning using AR
learning. He is able to combine learning and play, learning AR reduces boredom in students. Although students
have the freedom to operate smartphones, learning activities remain under the control of the teacher. Learning
AR book applications can show animals easily as many of them have not seen animals directly. Students'
satisfaction in learning using AR, they obtain information with interesting and can review learning
6. CONCLUSION
AR book app is a book made using augmented reality technology with the learning introduction to
animals, which in adapt kindergarten curriculum in Indonesia. AR book app can be implemented for learning
media using a smartphone. AR book app has many advantages compared to group notes that can display
animals in 3D. In this study comparing learning using AR book app with learning using group note. Learning
outcome using AR book app has better than using group note. The future study, expected to implement AR
book on other subjects and the authors suggest research done more than three schools to prove the effectiveness
of AR Book app in many cases.

 ISSN: 2089-9823
656
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This study was supported by UNNES Electrical Engineering Students Research Group (UEESRG),
Department of Electrical Engineering, Universitas Negeri Semarang. We are very grateful to RA Al-Iman, RA
Sinar Pelangi and kindergarten IT Sekar Gading.
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BIOGRAPHIES OF AUTHORS
Nisaun Markamah is a student at the Departement of Electrical Engineering in Universitas
Negeri Semarang.
Subiyanto received B.Eng. from Diponegoro University, Indonesia in 1998 and M.Eng. from Ga
Mada University, Indonesia in 2003 and Ph.D. deg from National University of Malaysia in 2012.
He is currently a lecturer at Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering,
Semarang St University, Indonesia. He is a member of IEEE, team leader of Smart Energy Project
Study, coordinator KBK Ketenagaan, coordinator UEESRG and coordinator of Electrical
Engineering Study Program.
Agus Murnomo received Bachelor of Education from Yogyakarta St University, Indonesia in
1981 and M.Eng from Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia in 2002. He is currently a lecturer at
Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Semarang St University, Indonesia.

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