Augmented Reality (AR) can provide additional information about
mediated events, but can it enhance our learning and comprehension? We performed
a user study of a location-based AR application in order to answer this
question. A 2-condition (AR modality vs. non-AR digital book modality) between-subjects
experiment with 36 dyads of secondary school students in Singapore
was conducted to examine how the use of AR modality in an educational
context impacts students’ learning performance. Data from the experiment
showed that location-based AR improved students’ learning performance by
catching their attention and enhancing their ability to elaboratively process the
information they encountered. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.