ABSTRACT
This research investigates the effectiveness of augmented reality (AR) learning materials in improving the educational outcomes of Senior High School students enrolled in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) in the Philippines. The ALS caters to students who cannot access formal education, often facing barriers such as limited resources, lack of engagement, and diverse learning needs. Recognizing these challenges, this study aims to determine whether AR technology can serve as an innovative tool to enhance learning experiences, promote better comprehension, and increase academic performance among ALS learners.
A mixed-methods research design was utilized, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. Pre-tests and post-tests measured the students' academic improvement, while surveys and focus group discussions gathered insights into their engagement, motivation, and perceptions toward the AR learning materials. The AR content was designed to supplement applied subjects in the Senior High School curriculum, making lessons more interactive, visual, and accessible.
Findings reveal that students exposed to AR-based learning materials demonstrated significant improvements in their academic performance compared to those who used traditional learning resources. Additionally, qualitative feedback highlighted heightened levels of enthusiasm, curiosity, and sustained interest in lessons facilitated through AR. Students reported that AR made abstract concepts easier to understand and helped them connect theoretical knowledge to real-world applications.
The study concludes that integrating AR technology into ALS programs can greatly benefit non-traditional learners by making education more inclusive, engaging, and effective. It recommends that educational institutions and policymakers consider adopting AR tools to address learning disparities and foster a more dynamic alternative learning environment. Further research is encouraged to explore the long-term impact of AR on different subject areas and learner demographics within the ALS framework.
Keywords: Academic Performance, assessment, Augmented Reality App, quasi-experimental design
INTRODUCTION
One of the biggest problems in the Philippines is that many people, especially those from faraway areas and poor families, are still unable to finish their basic education. Reasons like poverty, living far from schools, family duties, and the need to work at a young age often stop them from attending regular classes. To help with this problem, the Department of Education created the Alternative Learning System (ALS). ALS is a special education program that gives out-of-school youth and adults another chance to complete their education. It is flexible and student-centered learners can study at their own pace using modules without needing to attend regular face-to-face classes every day.
Over the years, ALS has given many Filipinos the chance to improve their lives through education. However, there are still challenges, especially for Senior High School (SHS) learners. At this level, the lessons become harder and more complicated. Sadly, many learning materials are still old-fashioned they are mostly plain and full of text, with little pictures or activities. Because of this, students often lose motivation, struggle to understand lessons, and sometimes do not finish the program. In today’s world, where technology is part of everyday life, especially for young people, education must also use new ways to catch students’ interest and help them learn better.
One new and exciting technology is Augmented Reality (AR). AR adds digital images, videos, and sounds to what students see in real life, making learning more fun and interactive. For example, instead of just reading a lesson, students can scan a picture in their modules using a smartphone to see 3D animations, hear explanations, and answer activities. Studies in regular schools have shown that AR can make students more interested in their lessons and help them do better in school.
Even though AR has shown good results in regular schools, there is still very little research about using AR for ALS students. ALS learners often study alone, with less help from teachers, and they face different problems compared to regular students. This is why it is important to study if AR can also help in ALS programs.
This research, titled “Bridging Educational Gaps: The Effectiveness of Augmented Reality Learning Materials in the Senior High School Alternative Learning System (SHS-ALS)," aims to find out if an AR Learning Materials App can help ALS students. It will focus on three things: if AR helps students understand lessons better, if it makes them more motivated to study, and if it improves their academic performance.
Through surveys, tests, and feedback from ALS students who use the AR app, the study will collect information to measure how effective it is. The results hope to give new ideas on how technology, especially AR, can make ALS more exciting, effective, and inclusive. By improving learning materials and using modern tools, we can help more learners reach their educational goals and create better futures for themselves and their communities.
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