Vocabul-AR-y: Action Research Study of Aurasma to Support Vocabulary

English Language Learners or ELL students are those students who either speak a different language or have a foreign language as their primary language spoken in their home. They often struggle with learning and remembering new vocabulary because of the language barrier. New technology and interactive apps can help with understanding and retention for these students. The purpose of this action research study is to evaluate the use of Aurasma to increase student engagement and retention of vocabulary of a unit on technology and how it changed society for second grade ELL students at an elementary school on Oahu. Students engaged in a three-week technology unit, which included interactions with the Aurasma app. The students had the opportunity to view Aurasma video clips and images that were overlaid onto their science textbooks and vocabulary flash cards, previously made by me. They also created their own video clips using Adobe Voice to use as Aurasma overlays using an iPad. At the end of the project, they got to view and share their Auras with each other. This study project was important for showing how augmented reality can and cannot be used to improve understanding and engagement with students. This presentation will discuss the development and use of these materials. Aurasma will be used throughout the presentation for demonstration and interaction. Audience is asked to download the free, Aurasma app if they would like to participate.