The Role of Augmented Reality in Multi-Device Small Group Learning Ecosystems

Augmented reality (AR) has shown benefits for individual learning with single devices and platforms. However, there has been sparse research on the learning effects of more complex technology ecosystems where multiple devices allow for different interactions with the same simulation. This study describes one such multi-device ecosystem where undergraduate students in an astronomy course were presented with a small group problem-solving task where both AR headsets and tablet computers could be used to explore a night sky simulation. We investigated whether students learned the targeted astronomy concepts, and whether the ways the devices were used affected students' learning and their perceptions of the activity. Results indicate an overall learning gain from pre to post, and while participants who used AR did not score higher than students who did not use AR, there was an association between how each device was used and one of the key learning outcomes.