Design and Implementation of Augmented Reality for English Language Education

Abstract

Computer- and mobile-assisted language learning (CALL and MALL) have been gaining mainstream acceptance in second language education across the globe over the past two decades. Recently, Augmented Reality (AR)-supported learning has become a new frontier in MALL attributing to the pervasiveness of smartphones and the development of mobile technologies. However, one major research gap is that the previous studies on mobile AR, primarily relying on the case study approach to verify the effectiveness of various mobile technologies and AR products, often lack strong theoretical support such as frameworks and models. Against this backdrop, this chapter first reviews mainstream language learning theories, and then examines recent studies of AR in English Language Education (ELE). We then introduce three existing AR design frameworks in the mobile learning context, aiming to offer theoretical insights into designing and learning technology-enhanced language learning tasks. We end the chapter with design and learning principles for language teachers so as to promote the integration of this novel technology into English Language Education.