Learning Solar System using Augmented Reality (AR) for Upper Primary School Kids
Ooi Li Ying
Bachelor of Computer Science with Honors
(Multimedia Computing)
2020
LEARNING SOLAR SYSTEM USING AUGMENTED REALITY (AR) FOR
UPPER PRIMARY SCHOOL KIDS
OOI LI YING
This project is submitted in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the degree of
Bachelor of Computer Science with Honors
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology
UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK
2020
PENGAJARAN SISTEM SOLAR MENGGUNAKAN REALITI TERTAMBAH
UNTUK PELAJAR SEKOLAH RENDAH
OOI LI YING
Projek ini merupakan salah satu keperluan untuk Ijazah
Sarjana Muda Sains Komputer dan Teknologi Maklumat
Fakulti Sains Komputer dan Teknologi Maklumat
UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK
2020
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DECLARATION OF ORIGINALITY
I hereby declare that this research together with all of its content is none other than that of my
own work, with consideration of the exception of research based information and relative
materials that were adapted and extracted from other resources, which have evidently been
quoted or stated respectively.
Signed,
…………………………………………….
OOI LI YING
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology 20th June 2020
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENT
This Final Year Project is made possible through the help and support of everyone. I
sincerely express my deep sense of gratitude to my supervisor, Dr. Irwandi Hipni Bin Mohamad
Hipiny for his valuable guidance, advice, and encouragement throughout the process of this
project. I would also like to thank my examiner Madam Amelia Jati Anak Robert Jupit for giving
feedback on my report. Besides, I would like to express my gratitude to my Final Year Project
coordinator, Professor Wang Yin Chai for giving guidelines toward the progress of the project.
In addition, I want to thank university students who gave full cooperation and volunteer to
provide feedback during the testing session. Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank
my friends who had shared their knowledge and opinions throughout this report.
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ABSTRACT
Augmented reality (AR) is the future of the education industry. It can motivate and engage
students in the learning process. Currently, most of the primary school lack of hands-on
learning. Therefore, this project proposed a mobile app to provide students to learn the solar
system using AR. In this report, improvement and development are discussed to provide a
better solution in learning. The proposed application testing will be including pre-test and post-
test, and interview The purpose of testing is to evaluate the application is working fine and
provide effective learning towards users. It is expected that the proposed application will
provide effective learning modules into the mobile app.
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ABSTRAK
Realiti tertambah adalah industri pendidikan pada masa depan. Ia dapat memotivasi dan
melibatkan pelajar dalam proses pembelajaran. Pada masa ini, kebanyakan sekolah rendah
kekurangan pembelajaran langsung. Oleh itu, projek ini mencadangkan aplikasi mudah alih
untuk menyediakan pelajar mempelajari sistem suria menggunakan realiti tertambah. Dalam
laporan ini, peningkatan dan pengembangan dibincangkan untuk memberikan penyelesaian
yang lebih baik dalam pembelajaran. Ujian aplikasi yang dicadangkan akan merangkumi ujian
pra dan ujian pasca, dan temu ramah. Tujuan pengujian adalah untuk menilai aplikasi
berjalan dengan baik dan memberikan pembelajaran yang berkesan terhadap pengguna.
Diharapkan aplikasi yang dicadangkan akan menyediakan modul pembelajaran yang
berkesan ke dalam aplikasi mudah alih.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................... 1
1.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Problem Statement ................................................................................................. 2
1.3 Scope ..................................................................................................................... 2
1.4 Objectives .............................................................................................................. 2
1.5 Methodology ......................................................................................................... 3
1.5.1 Analysis ............................................................................................................. 3
1.5.2 Design ............................................................................................................... 4
1.5.3 Development...................................................................................................... 4
1.5.4 Implementation .................................................................................................. 5
1.5.5 Evaluation.......................................................................................................... 5
1.6 Significance of Project ........................................................................................... 5
1.7 Project Schedule .................................................................................................... 6
1.8 Expected outcome.................................................................................................. 6
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW ............................................................................... 7
2.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Background ........................................................................................................... 7
2.3 Digital Learning..................................................................................................... 9
2.3.1 Design of Mobile Learning Strategy .................................................................. 9
2.3.2 Impact of Augmented Reality in Education ...................................................... 10
2.4 Review of Existing Applications .......................................................................... 11
2.4.1 SolarAR by Aura Interactive ............................................................................ 11
2.4.2 AstroReality ..................................................................................................... 13
2.4.3 SolAR Plus ...................................................................................................... 15
2.4.4 Comparison between Existing Applications and Proposed Application ............ 17
2.5 Revised Bloom’s Taxonomy ................................................................................ 19
2.6 Review of Quiz Types using Revised Bloom’s Taxonomy ................................... 20
2.6.1 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)................................................................... 20
2.6.2 True/ False ....................................................................................................... 22
2.6.3 Comparison Different Quiz Types .................................................................... 24
2.7 Tools for Proposed System .................................................................................. 24
2.7.1 Unity3D ........................................................................................................... 24
2.7.2 C# Language .................................................................................................... 24
2.7.3 Android Software Development Kit (Android SDK) ........................................ 25
2.7.4 Android Native Development Kit (Android NDK) ........................................... 25
2.7.5 Vuforia Engine ................................................................................................ 25
2.7.6 Firebase ........................................................................................................... 25
2.7.7 Autodesk Maya ................................................................................................ 26
2.7.8 Adobe Photoshop ............................................................................................. 26
2.8 Summary ............................................................................................................. 26
CHAPTER 3: REQUIREMENT ANALYSIS AND DESIGN ............................................ 27
3.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 27
3.2 Methodology ....................................................................................................... 27
3.3 Analysis ............................................................................................................... 27
3.3.1 Solar System Learning Units in Malaysian Primary Textbooks ........................ 28
3.3.2 Questionnaires ................................................................................................. 29
3.4 Design ................................................................................................................. 31
3.4.1 Use Case Diagram ........................................................................................... 31
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3.4.2 Use Case Description ....................................................................................... 32
3.4.3 Application Sequence Diagram ........................................................................ 37
3.4.4 Activity Diagram ............................................................................................. 38
3.4.5 Class Diagram ................................................................................................. 39
3.4.6 User Interface .................................................................................................. 40
3.5 Summary ............................................................................................................. 45
CHAPTER 4: DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION ........................................... 46
4.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 46
4.2 Software Installation and Configuration ............................................................... 46
4.3 Creating a 3D Model in Autodesk Maya .............................................................. 47
4.4 Creating Flashcard in Adobe Photoshop............................................................... 47
4.5 Uploading Flashcard into Vuforia Target Manager Database ............................... 48
4.6 Creating Database in Firebase .............................................................................. 49
4.7 Importing Music and Sound Effect into Unity3D ................................................. 50
4.8 Importing Video into Unity3D ............................................................................. 50
4.9 Designing User Interface and Pseudocode ............................................................ 51
4.9.1 Main Menu ...................................................................................................... 51
4.9.2 Augmented Reality .......................................................................................... 52
4.9.3 Quiz ................................................................................................................. 63
4.9.4 Leaderboard ..................................................................................................... 66
4.9.5 Collection ........................................................................................................ 68
4.9.6 Achievement .................................................................................................... 71
4.10 Summary ............................................................................................................. 73
CHAPTER 5: TESTING AND EVALUATION ................................................................. 74
5.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 74
5.2 Functional Testing ............................................................................................... 74
5.2.1 Test Case ......................................................................................................... 74
5.3 Non-functional Testing ........................................................................................ 81
5.3.1 Pre-Test and Post-Test ..................................................................................... 82
5.3.2 Interview ......................................................................................................... 84
5.4 Summary ............................................................................................................. 84
CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION AND FUTURE WORK ...................................................... 85
6.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 85
6.2 Objective Achieved ............................................................................................. 85
6.3 Limitation ............................................................................................................ 85
6.4 Future Work ........................................................................................................ 86
6.5 Summary ............................................................................................................. 86
REFERENCES ................................................................................................................... 87
APPENDIX ........................................................................................................................ 90
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1.1. Process of ADDIE model .................................................................................... 3
Figure 1.2. Project schedule .................................................................................................. 6
Figure 2.1. Characteristic of planet ...................................................................................... 12
Figure 2.2. Incorrect in ordering planets .............................................................................. 12
Figure 2.3. Tangible moon model in AR.............................................................................. 14
Figure 2.4. Study material on the model surface .................................................................. 14
Figure 2.5. Transfer planet to the orbit................................................................................. 15
Figure 2.6. Planetary core view ........................................................................................... 16
Figure 2.7. Bloom's Taxonomy pyramid levels .................................................................... 19
Figure 2.8. MCQ layout ...................................................................................................... 21
Figure 2.9. Result layout ..................................................................................................... 21
Figure 2.10. True or False layout ......................................................................................... 23
Figure 3.1. Ratio of respondents heard about AR ................................................................. 29
Figure 3.2. Votes of the most difficult subtopic ................................................................... 29
Figure 3.3. Votes of feature help in mobile learning ............................................................ 30
Figure 3.4. Ratio of the necessity of quiz in mobile learning ................................................ 30
Figure 3.5. Use case diagram: SolAR Kid application ......................................................... 31
Figure 3.6. Application sequence diagram ........................................................................... 37
Figure 3.7. Activity diagram................................................................................................ 38
Figure 3.8. Class diagram .................................................................................................... 39
Figure 3.9. Main menu ........................................................................................................ 40
Figure 3.10. AR camera page .............................................................................................. 40
Figure 3.11. Learning material ............................................................................................ 41
Figure 3.12. Animation ....................................................................................................... 42
Figure 3.13. Quiz menu ....................................................................................................... 42
Figure 3.14. Quiz for each primary ...................................................................................... 43
Figure 3.15. Correct answer view ........................................................................................ 43
Figure 3.16. Wrong answer view ......................................................................................... 44
Figure 3.17. Score page ....................................................................................................... 44
Figure 3.18. Leaderboard page ............................................................................................ 45
Figure 3.19. Collection page................................................................................................ 45
Figure 4.1. Animation in Autodesk Maya ............................................................................ 47
Figure 4.2. Flashcard ........................................................................................................... 47
Figure 4.3. Vuforia Target Manager Database ..................................................................... 48
Figure 4.4 Firebase Authentication ...................................................................................... 49
Figure 4.5. Firebase Realtime Database ............................................................................... 49
Figure 4.6. Setup audio in Untiy3D ..................................................................................... 50
Figure 4.7. Setup video in Unity3D ..................................................................................... 50
Figure 4.8. Main menu ........................................................................................................ 51
Figure 4.9. Side navigation .................................................................................................. 51
Figure 4.10. Display orbit .................................................................................................... 52
Figure 4.11. Display asteroid ............................................................................................... 52
Figure 4.12. Display information ......................................................................................... 52
Figure 4.13. Display AR Sun ............................................................................................... 53
Figure 4.14. Information about Sun ..................................................................................... 53
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Figure 4.15. Display solar eclipse scene .............................................................................. 53
Figure 4.16. Display lunar eclipse scene .............................................................................. 53
Figure 4.17. Display AR Moon ........................................................................................... 54
Figure 4.18. Information about Moon .................................................................................. 54
Figure 4.19. Display moon images ...................................................................................... 54
Figure 4.20. Display moon phases ....................................................................................... 54
Figure 4.21. Display AR Mercury ....................................................................................... 55
Figure 4.22. Information about Mercury .............................................................................. 55
Figure 4.23. Mercury fun fact 1 ........................................................................................... 55
Figure 4.24. Mercury fun fact 2 ........................................................................................... 55
Figure 4.25. Display AR Venus ........................................................................................... 56
Figure 4.26. Information about Venus ................................................................................. 56
Figure 4.27. Venus fun fact 1 .............................................................................................. 56
Figure 4.28. Venus fun fact 2 .............................................................................................. 56
Figure 4.29. Display AR Earth ............................................................................................ 57
Figure 4.30. Information about Earth ................................................................................... 57
Figure 4.31. Earth fun fact 1 ................................................................................................ 57
Figure 4.32. Earth fun fact 2 ................................................................................................ 57
Figure 4.33. Size and distance ............................................................................................. 57
Figure 4.34. Display AR Mars ............................................................................................. 58
Figure 4.35. Information about Mars ................................................................................... 58
Figure 4.36. Mars fun fact 1 ................................................................................................ 58
Figure 4.37. Mars fun fact 2 ................................................................................................ 58
Figure 4.38. Display AR Jupiter .......................................................................................... 59
Figure 4.39. Information about Jupiter................................................................................. 59
Figure 4.40. Jupiter fun fact 1 .............................................................................................. 59
Figure 4.41. Jupiter fun fact 2 .............................................................................................. 59
Figure 4.42. Jupiter fun fact 3 .............................................................................................. 59
Figure 4.43. Display AR Saturn........................................................................................... 60
Figure 4.44. Information about Saturn ................................................................................. 60
Figure 4.45. Saturn fun fact 1 .............................................................................................. 60
Figure 4.46. Saturn fun fact 2 .............................................................................................. 60
Figure 4.47. Saturn fun fact 3 .............................................................................................. 60
Figure 4.48. Display AR Uranus ......................................................................................... 61
Figure 4.49. Information about Uranus ................................................................................ 61
Figure 4.50. Uranus fun fact 1 ............................................................................................. 61
Figure 4.51. Uranus fun fact 2 ............................................................................................. 61
Figure 4.52. Display AR Neptune........................................................................................ 62
Figure 4.53. Information about Neptune .............................................................................. 62
Figure 4.54. Neptune fun fact 1 ........................................................................................... 62
Figure 4.55. Neptune fun fact 2 ........................................................................................... 62
Figure 4.56. Correct animation ............................................................................................ 63
Figure 4.57. Incorrect animation .......................................................................................... 63
Figure 4.58. Quiz score ....................................................................................................... 63
Figure 4.59. Quiz pseudocode (i) ......................................................................................... 64
Figure 4.60. Quiz pseudocode (ii)........................................................................................ 65
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Figure 4.61. Leaderboard .................................................................................................... 66
Figure 4.62. Leaderboard pseudocode ................................................................................. 67
Figure 4.63. Collection ........................................................................................................ 68
Figure 4.64. Collection pseudocode (i) ................................................................................ 69
Figure 4.65. Collection pseudocode (ii) ............................................................................... 70
Figure 4.66. Achievement ................................................................................................... 71
Figure 4.67. Achievement pseudocode (i) ............................................................................ 72
Figure 4.68. Achievement pseudocode (ii)........................................................................... 73
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 2.1. Comparison between existing applications and proposed application .................. 17
Table 2.2. Comparison of different quiz types ..................................................................... 24
Table 3.1. Science topics in primary school ......................................................................... 28
Table 3.2. Deliver content method for each topic ................................................................. 28
Table 3.3. Use case description: Scan AR marker ................................................................ 32
Table 3.4. Use case description: View AR model ................................................................ 33
Table 3.5. Use case description: Attempt quiz ..................................................................... 34
Table 3.6. Use case description: View leaderboard .............................................................. 35
Table 3.7. Use case description: View collection ................................................................. 35
Table 3.8. Use case description: View achievement ............................................................. 36
Table 4.1. Software installation and configuration ............................................................... 46
Table 4.2. Learning content for Sun .................................................................................... 53
Table 4.3. Learning content for Moon ................................................................................. 54
Table 4.4. Learning content for Mercury ............................................................................. 55
Table 4.5. Learning content for Venus ................................................................................. 56
Table 4.6. Learning content for Earth .................................................................................. 57
Table 4.7. Learning content for Mars................................................................................... 58
Table 4.8. Learning content for Jupiter ................................................................................ 59
Table 4.9. Learning content for Saturn ................................................................................ 60
Table 4.10. Learning content for Uranus ............................................................................. 61
Table 4.11. Learning content for Neptune ........................................................................... 62
Table 5.1. Test case: Sign up ............................................................................................... 74
Table 5.2. Test case: Login .................................................................................................. 75
Table 5.3. Test case: Forgot password ................................................................................. 75
Table 5.4. Test case: Solar system page .............................................................................. 76
Table 5.5. Test case: Planet page ......................................................................................... 77
Table 5.6. Test case: Quiz page ........................................................................................... 78
Table 5.7. Test case: Leaderboard page ............................................................................... 78
Table 5.8. Test case: Collection page................................................................................... 79
Table 5.9. Test case: Achievement page .............................................................................. 79
Table 5.10. Test case: Tutorial page .................................................................................... 80
Table 5.11. Test case: Exit from the application .................................................................. 80
Table 5.12. Test case: Logout .............................................................................................. 81
Table 5.13. Pre-test and post-test result ............................................................................... 83
Table 5.14. Paired samples statistics .................................................................................... 83
Table 5.15. Paired samples test ............................................................................................ 83
Table 5.16. Interview .......................................................................................................... 84
Table 6.1. Objective achieved ............................................................................................. 85
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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education is essential
because it applies to everyday life. It was emphasized since students are young, this is to
encourage students’ interest in these subjects. To increase students' attention, augmented reality
(AR) can help students in enhancing hands-on learning (Zsolrt, 2017).
AR is a technology that overlays computer-generated information, 3D model, image,
video, and audio in the real world with a smartphone or tablet (Rouse, 2016). The growth of
augmented reality (AR) applications in recent years grow rapidly (Ratnottar, n.d.). It becomes
a significant technology that has been exploring in different fields, such as gaming, business,
retail, education, and others (Ratnottar, n.d.).
Science subjects required imagination on untouchable and intangible topics. The first
that comes to mind is solar system topics. Everyone can't travel to the solar system. Currently,
students gain knowledge from textbooks, or teachers use video as a learning medium to convey
learning information to students. However, these learning materials are lacking in hands-on
activities. Using AR in education will soon affect the conventional learning process. AR can
change the teaching and learning methods in schools.
This project aims to develop an AR solar system mobile application for primary school
kids. Developing this application is to give primary schoolkids view virtual objects that overlay
in the real world. Students need a smartphone to point on the AR markers (flashcards) to explore
the solar system in with animated 3D models. This application includes multimedia elements
such as audio, graphics, video, and animation.
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1.2 Problem Statement
The current problem in education is most of the primary school lack of hands-on
learning material in teaching the solar system. In conventional learning, textbook reading is
often difficult for students, especially the required imagination of objects that untouchable and
invisible. These students often like to hold, touch, or take part in the experience to learn
something new (Segal & Smith, 2019).
Besides, students having problems understanding the solar system topic due to many
sources that are available in 2D images as in the school textbook (Zaki, Zain, & Zanilabdin,
2018). The 3D graphic is an alternative way to replace the 2D images from the textbook. 3D
technology can help students understand scientific phenomena effectively (Gimbel, 2019). So,
this proposed project will resolve these current problems facing by students.
1.3 Scope
1. This application will be built on the Android platform.
2. The target audience for this proposed project for students from 10 to 12 years old and upper
primary science teachers.
3. The application focus on solar system topic from the Science textbook issued by Minstry of
Education (MOE) to Primary 4, 5, and 6 students.
4. The language used in this application is in Bahasa Melayu.
1.4 Objectives
1. To develop an AR mobile application for learning about the solar system.
2. To integrate effective learning modules into the mobile app.
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1.5 Methodology
This project used the ADDIE model in designing and devolving augmented reality (AR) solar
system application. ADDIE produces an excellent instructional design which widely used in
developing instructional courses and training programs. It is a dynamic and flexible guideline
for developing effective training and performance support tools ("ADDIE Model", 2018).
ADDIE model is suitable for developing education in the solar system mobile app. To produce
effective instruction, all instructional design models required the following phases: analysis,
design, development, implementation, and evaluation.
Figure 1.1. Process of ADDIE model
1.5.1 Analysis
This phase involves the process of identifying problem statements, scopes, aims, the
significance of the project, and expected outcomes. This project focus on Science subject in
solar system topic and the target audience are upper primary student and science teacher. The
first factor for analyzing the students is research on the students' existing knowledge about the
solar system. Through further explore students' problems, it can help in identifying apparent
objectives. It is easier to develop and design a useful application when there is a clear objective.
Review on primary Science school textbooks and reference books able to construct learning
materials that suit primary students' level. Besides, a questionnaire is delivered out to collect
suggestions and opinions from the target users.
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1.5.2 Design
This phase focus on the conceptual design of an application. There are three main buttons on
the main menu page designed including 'SISTEM SURIA’, 'PALNET', and 'KUIZ'. The
'SISTEM SURIA’ and 'PALNET' scenes provide learning materials such as the name of the
planets, the sequence of the solar system, fun facts of each planet, and others. By scanning on
AR markers (flashcards), students able to explore the solar system in augmented reality (AR).
Meanwhile, the 'KUIZ' scene provides exercises to test how well the students master that topic.
Both learning materials and quizzes are designed that fit actual lesson plans for Malaysia
primary schools. However, other knowledge such as sources from the Internet is being added
as well. The designs are constructed in use case diagram, use case description, application
sequence diagram, activity diagram, class diagram, and user interface.
1.5.3 Development
This phase involves developing and testing the application. The hardware requirement required
for developing this project is a laptop and an Android smartphone. Meanwhile, the software
needed in developing this application is Unity. Unity is a development game platform, and it
required to install Vuforia package to operate AR camera and other functions. The 3D objects
are created with Autodesk Maya. Autodesk Maya is a software that modeling a 3D object which
can export to Unity. Besides, Adobe Photoshop is used to develop AR markers (flashcards), it
is an editing image software. Firebase is connected to the Unity3D project and utilizing Firebase
Authentication and Realtime Database services. The purpose of Firebase is to store the
information of the users. After the completion of the development, the internal test of the
application is conducted before it used by the target audience.
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1.5.4 Implementation
This phase is the process of delivering the application to users. There are 10 students involved
in testing the application. Pre-test and post-test are applied to measure the performance of
students before and after using the proposed application. Besides, test cases are used to make
sure the application is working fine.
1.5.5 Evaluation
This phase is to ensure the objectives are achieved. A summative evaluation is conducted on
this complete instructional application. Pre-test, post-test and the interview are gathered from
the users after using the application. This process is carried out to measure the effectiveness of
learning activities based on students' understanding of the topic.
1.6 Significance of Project
This project will contribute to improve the learning environment for primary students.
Education using augmented reality (AR) changes the teaching and learning process in schools.
Teachers can reduce the obstacles and difficulties in explaining the solar system. By visualizing
3D models, students more understand the topic compare to reading text. Visual learning able to
catch students' attention in class by overlaying the 3D model. Students are more excited as
learning materials are in visualized objects along with the audio. This project is to initiate
students to study without stress and provide a better understanding of the solar system.
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1.7 Project Schedule
Figure 1.2. Project schedule
1.8 Expected outcome
At the end of the project, this project will develop a mobile application for learning about the
solar system using augmented reality (AR) for primary students. This application consists of
multimedia elements to provide effective learning. The students should be expected to improve
solar system knowledge after using the application. Hence, the objectives of this project can be
achieved.
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CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
This chapter will be reviewing the background of teaching materials, the design of mobile
learning, the impact of AR in education. To achieve the first objective, three existing
applications which are related to the proposed application will be reviewed. To achieve the
second objective, two quiz types will be reviewed as well.
2.2 Background
In 2014, MOE comes out with a plan digitalizing textbooks will be used in school to
enable teaching and learning through a virtual classroom (Chin, 2018). Virtual learning and
teaching will never same as traditional methods that involve seeing, touching, and experiencing
(“Mobile phones and the classroom”, 2012). After 5 years, MOE announced that physical
textbooks would be replaced with digital, students would able to access study materials with
their own mobile devices (Pui, 2019). The introduction of e-textbook is to help students lighten
the load of their school bags and eliminate the need for bringing so many physical textbooks to
school (Pui, 2019). However, traditional educators argue that mobile devices for students
bringing to school, there would be a high probability of students do not switch to silent mode
and easily get distracted because they are busy scrolling mobile devices (“Mobile phones and
the classroom”, 2012). MOE, Teo announced they would develop better digital textbooks to
provide more interactive learning in the future (Pui, 2019). Currently, students able to download
and access these digital textbooks on the free mobile app, MOE e-Textbook Reader (Pui, 2019).
However, this plan is introduced to secondary students only as too much usage of electronic
devices for primary students at such an early age will bring negative impacts to them (Pui,
2019).
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Nevertheless, BAC Education Group launched an electronic learning (e-learning)
platform, BACfreeschool.com for primary students and secondary students. This e-learning
offered free access to learning content based on the national school syllabus. It categorized the
e-learning to six specialist learning portals which are SPMflix.com, PT3flix.com,
UPSRflix.com, SJKCflix.com, SJKTflix.com, and IGCSEflix.com. Teachers and students can
use this e-learning which designed as an additional learning resource and revision tool for
existing teaching and learning activities in Malaysia (“Family of e-learning sites”, 2018). Yahya
(2014) investigated the effectiveness of blended e-learning forums in a sample of science
students. Yahya’s study proved that the results of the analysis with the implementation of
blended e-learning highly effective in teaching and learning compared to traditional methods.
This is because blended e-learning provides hands-on activities, appropriate teaching methods,
and discussion within the forum to gain knowledge. This may be due to the belief that blended
e-learning can facilitate in developing self-learning skills and building favorableness in science
lesson plans (Yahya, 2014).
Technological devices have rapid growth in the education field as time goes. The usage
of the informatics technologies had facilitated rapidly and slowly forgotten the significance of
traditional education methods by replacing with technological education methods. This
advancement revealed the concept of e-learning (Korucu & Alkan, 2011). Although e-learning
has more benefits compare to traditional education methods, some shortcomings of its own
have to lead the science world to new pursuits. The development of mobile technologies and
the movement need in education bring the idea of mobile learning (m-learning). M-learning is
not a new concept, but it becomes important over recent years with the demand for learning in
a virtual environment. In 2018, an analysis of the modern learner shows 96% of them get used
to search and check their phones up to 10 times per hour (Hill, 2019). This means that people
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nowadays rely too much on mobile devices. The most essential advantage of m-learning is to
enable learners to access knowledge anytime and anywhere (Korucu & Alkan, 2011). Besides,
m-learning creates a learning environment that fits the demand for modern, diverse learners
with including many activities such as interactions, collaborations, conversations, and problem-
solving (Sarrab, Elgamel, & Aldabbas, 2012).
The proposed application will be using mobile devices as a learning medium. This is
because m-learning supports easy access to study material and immediately impact students’
performance in a learning environment. By using mobile devices, students will be more self-
motivated and self-disciplined as they can study anywhere and at any time (Korucu & Alkan,
2011).
2.3 Digital Learning
2.3.1 Design of Mobile Learning Strategy
A practical approach to m-learning which known as Mobile Interactive Learning
Objects (MILOs) takes into consideration when developing this proposed mobile application.
M-learning considers as explorative learning, it gives users to learn independently whenever
they what to study. Thus, increasing their motivation for learning. However, explorative
learning more suitable for experienced users which means the users already have the basic
knowledge and the ability to learn independently, whereas inexperienced users are more
recommend using traditional learning objects (Holzinger, Nischelwitzer, & Meisenberger,
2005).
Willingham (2009) stated memory is the residue of thought, what had remained in
memory is depends on all that had though in the brain. The Willingham mentioned visual
imagery facilitates due to it makes cues more distinctive and less vague. When creating a visual
image, all characteristics must specify, such as size, proportions, coloring, posture, and others.
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These details help to make it more distinctive and less likely to be confused with another image,
so it provides a better cue to the target memory. This study explains the importance of image
help to make memories longer-lasting during studying over time.
Therefore, media elements including pictures, videos, and audio are essential in m-
learning. Innovative teaching activities such as gamification, story-based, and quiz can motivate
learners’ interest in learning. Applying interactive questions facilitates learning and
understanding. If users answered incorrectly, the application can provide hints to them. This
can assist them to rethink the problem and help them to search for the correct answer. And
punishment in the terms of ‘Wrong’ message should avoid and replace with encouragement
messages. By solving the question independently, users feel proud and successful, as well as
increase their knowledge (Holzinger et al., 2005). This will help students to create memorable
regarding the topic and ensure the relevant content tightly memorize into the brain (“Designing
mobile learning”, 2015).
2.3.2 Impact of Augmented Reality in Education
Augmented reality (AR) in education had increasingly used by young users such as
elementary school and high school students. AR brings a virtual object to the real world and
allows the users to use their whole body to interact with it. This literature review discusses the
impact of AR experience on learners.
The impact of AR in education is closely associated with student attitudes towards
technology in general. Student attitudes toward AR are important in ensuring the use of AR in
schools. Attitudes can be defined as an individual’s reaction towards an object or situation, it is
not a behavior but is a tendency to guide an individual to certain behaviors (Sirakaya & Cakmak,
2018). The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) developed by Davis, explained the fact of
affect students accepting technology is from their attitude. According to the TAM, users accept