An Examination of Learners’ Views on Augmented Reality-Supported Distance Russian Language Learning

Abstract

Augmented reality (AR) is used in various fields as an environment where real and virtual components are displayed in the same place, and it is also preferred in learning processes. The aim of this study is to examine the opinions, predictions, and suggestions of Russian learners at various language levels regarding their AR-supported distance learning experiences. The Moodle learning management system was used alongside WordPress as the distance learning platform. Course materials were prepared using the Metaverse mobile AR application. In addition to other materials used in the courses, AR activities designed by the researcher were incorporated into the courses via the Metaverse mobile application. Twelve lessons were conducted over a one-month period, and the use of the AR application in the Russian learning process was facilitated. In this study, a holistic single case study design was used since the experiences of the learners and the pedagogical quality of this process were analysed in a holistic manner. Data were collected through focus group interviews. Criterion sampling technique was preferred in the selection of participants. Data from nine learners were collected online via the Zoom platform through focus group interviews. According to the findings examined through content analysis, it was concluded that the use of AR in distance Russian learning is beneficial, facilitates the learning process, enables reinforcement, increases learning motivation, provides concentration, encourages students, enriches course materials, and makes them more interesting. However, some technological and design-related issues were also identified. In addition to positive and negative opinions, it was predicted that AR will play an active role in Russian language learning and the learning of other languages. Based on the findings of the study, some recommendations were made to researchers, developers, teachers, and institutions.

Keywords

• augmented reality
• distance learning
• mobile learning
• Russian language learning
• qualitative research

Artırılmış Gerçeklikle Desteklenen Uzaktan Rusça Öğrenimine Yönelik Öğrenen Görüşlerinin İncelenmesi

Abstract

Artırılmış gerçeklik (AG), gerçek ve sanal bileşenlerin aynı yerde görüntülendiği bir ortam olarak çeşitli alanlarda kullanıldığı gibi öğrenme süreçlerinde de tercih edilmektedir. Bu araştırmanın amacı, çeşitli dil seviyelerinde Rusça öğrenenlerin AG destekli uzaktan öğrenme deneyimlerine yönelik görüş, öngörü ve önerilerini incelemektir. Uzaktan eğitim platformu olarak WordPress ile birlikte Moodle öğrenme yönetim sistemi kullanılmıştır. Ders materyalleri, Metaverse adlı mobil AG uygulaması üzerinden hazırlanmıştır. Derslerde kullanılan diğer materyallerin yanı sıra, araştırmacı tarafından tasarlanan AG etkinlikleri Metaverse mobil uygulaması aracılığıyla derslere dahil edilmiştir. Bir aylık süre içinde 12 ders uygulanmış ve AG uygulamasının Rusça öğrenme sürecinde kullanımı sağlanmıştır. Bu araştırmada öğrenenlerin deneyimleri ve bu sürecin pedagojik niteliği bütüncül bir biçimde incelendiği için bütüncül tek durum çalışması deseni kullanılmıştır. Veriler odak grup görüşmesi yoluyla toplanmıştır. Katılımcıların seçiminde ölçüt örnekleme tekniği tercih edilmiştir. Odak grup görüşmesiyle dokuz öğrenenden veriler çevrimiçi olarak Zoom platformunda toplanmıştır. İçerik analiziyle incelenen bulgulara göre uzaktan Rusça öğreniminde AG’nin kullanımının faydalı olduğu, öğrenme sürecini kolaylaştırdığı, pekiştirmeyi mümkün kıldığı, öğrenme motivasyonunu arttırdığı, konsantrasyonu sağladığı, öğrencileri cesaretlendirdiği, ders materyallerini zenginleştirdiği ve ilgi çekici hale getirdiği sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Ancak, bazı teknolojik ve tasarımsal sorunlara yönelik görüşler de tespit edilmiştir. Olumlu ve olumsuz görüşlerin yanı sıra, AG’nin Rusça öğrenimi ve diğer dillerin öğreniminde aktif bir rol oynayacağı öngörüsü ortaya çıkmıştır. Çalışmanın bulguları doğrultusunda araştırmacılara, geliştiricilere, öğretenlere ve kurumlara bazı öneriler sunulmuştur.

Keywords

• artırılmış gerçeklik
• mobil öğrenme
• nitel araştırma
• Rusça öğrenimi
• uzaktan öğrenme

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