Exploring the effect of improved learning performance: A mobile augmented reality learning system

Students are commonly in a high cognitive load state when they encounter sophisticated knowledge. Whether the novel augmented reality (AR) technology can be utilized in an online learning course to explain complicated scientific concepts in a more understandable manner to students during the COVID-19 period is an unaddressed issue. This study aims to investigate the influences of reducing the physical touch or face-to-face teaching/learning practices via using mobile augmented reality learning systems (MARLS) on students’ perceived learning effectiveness. The information feedback viewpoint, flow theory, and cognitive load theory are integrated to examine the effects of the information feedback of MARLS on students’ learning effectiveness. This study recruited 204 participants from ten universities to complete a learning task via a MARLS and fill out a questionnaire to collect data for the proposed research model. The empirical results revealed information feedback positively and significantly affected flow experience, perceived learning effectiveness, and continued intention. The improved learning performance of learners was positively related to their continued intention. Also, the extraneous cognitive load negatively and significantly moderated the relationship between information feedback and perceived learning effectiveness. This study proposes meaningful implications and suggestions for future research based on the findings of this experiment.