Learning Grammar and Vocabulary using GVScapes

Smartphones and the smart electronic devices are moving forward with imminent advancement of  new generation of Android devices. Some of the available smartphones are built specifically for Augmented Reality (AR). Daily evolvement of the new technology in a myriad of ways such as the function in each of the devices itself have its own advantages and appear to be very competitive. The current educational settings have infused technology enabled learning environment for more interactive teaching and learning activities. For example, digital scavenger hunt is one of the learning activities that could provide more interactive and fun learning experience for students. 

Scholars have discovered that active learning techniques can improve students’ retention and understanding of the course materials, such as problem-solving exercises and case studies techniques (Carr, Palmer, and Hagel, 2015; Myers and Jones, 1993; Prince, 2004; Scott et al., 2009). The active learning techniques are, usually, focusing on the application of information in which the students are equipped with knowledge and the skills needed. Thus, this project endeavoured to promote active learning as advocated by the aforementioned scholars by injecting a creative approach to the conventional and well-known Scavenger Hunt activity. In the case of this project, the Scavenger Hunt was mobilised to promote active, meaningful and interactive learning for topics related to English grammar and vocabulary. In Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), the English language courses are compulsory for students and offered by the Centre for the Promotion of Knowledge and Language Learning (CPKLL). Students have to take these courses for 4 semesters. Considering that students have learned grammar and vocabulary since the early years of their education, the conventional teaching and learning of grammar were transformed into educational quizzes via the Android application using AR capability for learners to learn English in a more interactive and fun way. 

Currently, many English language learning applications are available in the market, including the scavenger hunt apps. Although various apps for language learning are available in the current market, there are some drawbacks of each apps such as limited functions and its availability are restricted to specific countries only. In addition, users have to purchase the extra features to get a fully functioning app. Thus, it is hoped that the development of GVScapes using AR technology will help to promote fun and meaningful learning of English grammar and vocabulary among tertiary students.