Augmented Reality-Based Concept Map for Immersive English Language Learning

Kalapoorna  Nalla; Prajna Pani

Authors

Kalapoorna Nalla Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha
Prajna Pani Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha

Keywords:

English, language, teaching, AR, immersive

Abstract

The pandemic has become a catalyst to the quick transformation of the education system where several innovative approaches and systems have been developed in a short time. Augmented reality has risen to the occasion as one of the immersive technology tools to augment learning especially in this age of Education 4.0. With the development of ICT in education to make English classes more engaging and interactive, AR is proving to be a strong tool to improve the English language skills of the students. The correct and judicious usage of the tool, would motivate the students to learn the skills of English in a fun-loving manner in a non-threatening environment. This paper discusses the outcomes of a pilot study conducted in one of the English medium schools of Odisha, India, where the content creators and instructional designers collaborate with the educators and the technical personnel to integrate immersive experiences into the curriculum. Training was given to the teachers who participated in the pilot study regarding the usage of the EducART App, a tool for experience management. The paper will reflect on an AR-based concept map for immersive English language learning based on the experience of the students, teachers, administrators. The paper also reiterates the importance of the presence of a teacher who facilitates the learning and that augmented reality is a tool through which learning is accentuated and becomes more effective.

Author Biographies

Kalapoorna Nalla , Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha

Kalapoorna Nalla is a Research Scholar at the Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha. Her area of research is Reflections on English Language Teaching and Learning in English Medium Schools in Odisha. She has been in the teaching field for the past 26 years and is interested in innovative ways of teaching.
Prajna Pani, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha

Prajna Pani is a professor at Centurion University of Technology and Management (India). She received her Ph.D. from Utkal University in 2008. Her specialisations include Linguistics, ELT and 20th C British Literature. Prajna teaches English communication courses at the university where she won Faculty Excellence Award (2013) and New Age Teacher Award (2015). She has invested 21 years in teaching, mentoring, training, and development. She is drawn in exploring the innovative teaching methods using Moodle Software, Learning Apps, Blogs using WordPress and ELT 4.0 tools and technology. She has published many papers in national and international journals of repute, and also presented papers in national and international conferences, the most recent ones being in Harvard Faculty Club, Imperial College London, and National University Singapore. Her interest areas are ELT 4.0, Pedagogy, Emotional Intelligence, Development Communication and IT Enabled Communication. Prajna has edited the book ‘Education Technology for Engagement and Experience: A New Approach to Learning’. She is the co-editor of the book ‘Repositioning Folklore and Indigenous Knowledge Systems’. Prajna is the author of the book titled ‘Memory as Transcendence in T. S Eliot’s Poetry’ and co-author of the book ‘Emotional Intelligence and Communication at Workplace’.