The Effect of Augmented Reality (AR) Flashcard on Early Literacy of Early Childhood

Abstract

Early literacy for early childhood is important because it is related to reading provisions. This literation ability, should be owned by children at the age of 4-5 years. But the reality shows not all children have this ability. Some children still have difficulty recognizing the alphabet. These conditions need to get attention. This study aims to determine the effect of augmented reality (AR) flashcard media on early childhood literacy. The research design used quasi-experimental quantitative research with non-equivalent design. The research subjects were 24 children aged 4-5 years, which were divided into 2 groups, namely the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group used AR flashcard media that displays 3D images for early literacy learning, while the control group used 2D animation videos. Hypothesis testing used independent sample t-test with SPSS 22 for windows. The results showed that AR flashcard media had a greater influence on children's early literacy than 2D animated video media. This is evidenced by the more developed children's ability of early literacy in the experimental group than in the control group. The conclusion is AR flashcard media is a good media because of its superiority of insert an audio on 3D image that could explain a lot information and increase student's attractiveness. Children could see its shape, imitate it, and listen its name from displayed object. AR flashcard media was also a media with the use of ICT that could be delivered by guessing alphabet so that it became an interactive media and it could make that learning became fun for children.