Authors:
Garyfallia Preka
1
and
Maria Rangoussi
2
Affiliations:
1
MSc “ICT for Education”, Dept. of Early Childhood Education, University of Athens, 13A, Navarinou str., Athens and Greece
;
2
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, University of West Attica, 250, Thivon str., Athens-Egaleo and Greece
Keyword(s):
Augmented Reality, Quick Response Codes, Music Curriculum, Preschool/Pre-K Education, Kindergarten, Educational Intervention, Game-based Learning, Smart/Mobile Devices, Evaluation, Learning Outcomes.
Abstract:
This research focuses on the use of Quick Response (QR) codes, as a part of the Augmented Reality (AR) technology, in an educational intervention for early childhood education in Music. The educational methods employed are game-based and collaborative learning within a framework that uses Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and mobile devices in indoors and outdoors activities. A modified form of the ‘treasure hunt’ game is the canvas of the intervention carried out; the learning contents implicitly taught through the game are elements of the curriculum for Music in Kindergarten. Research questions address the learning outcomes achieved as well as the development of pupils’ collaborative skills through the implemented learning method and ICT tools, given the pupils’ age and their as yet limited reading/writing skills. Evaluation results indicate that the AR-QR technology is a powerful tool that triggers and sustains children’s interest during the learning process and can
enhance their cognitive skills, their collaborative skills and their social interaction. Verification of the persistence of these results over time would require a longitudinal study on the same pupils; the findings of this case study, however, indicate the strong potential of AR-QR tools for the cognitive and socio-emotional development of children.
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