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Exploring the effectiveness of augmented reality in enhancing spatial reasoning skills: A study on mental rotation, spatial orientation, and spatial visualization in primary school students

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Abstract

The primary goal of this research was to examine the impact of Augmented Reality (AR) based virtual interaction and physical interaction on the development of spatial skills in Xining Qinghai, China's primary school students (aged 8 to 10). The research was conducted in a public-school setting with 54 participants using a quasi-experimental research method. While the control group engaged in equivalent activities by physical means, the experimental group employed smart phones equipped with augmented reality software. To measure spatial ability, pre- and post-tests were given to the participants. The findings demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in spatial ability test in overall scores for the experimental group.

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Data Availability

The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available.

from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Funding

This research was funded by Xiamen University Malaysia Research Fund (XMUMRF) Cycle 9/2022, grant number XMUMRF/2022-C9/IECE/0031.

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  1. Digital Media Technology Department, School of Computing and Data Science, Xiamen University Malaysia, Jalan Sunsuria, Bandar Sunsuria, 43900, Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia

    Ahmad Affandi Supli & Xiaojing Yan

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  1. Ahmad Affandi Supli
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Correspondence to Ahmad Affandi Supli.

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Supli, A.A., Yan, X. Exploring the effectiveness of augmented reality in enhancing spatial reasoning skills: A study on mental rotation, spatial orientation, and spatial visualization in primary school students. Educ Inf Technol 29, 351–374 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-12255-w

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