IJIET 2026 Vol.16(3): 648-657
doi: 10.18178/ijiet.2026.16.3.2537
doi: 10.18178/ijiet.2026.16.3.2537
Immersive Learning Unleashed: Augmented Reality to Boost Student Engagement in Primary Education
Sumarlin Sumarlin1,*, Yohanes Suban Belutowe2, Mardhalia Saitakela1, Benyamin Jago Belalawe2,
Yosep Jacob Latuan2, Menya Snae1, Semlinda Juszandri Bulan1, Yohanis Malelak2, Hasibun Asikin2, and
Sari Rahayu Rahman3
1. Department of Information System, STIKOM Uyelindo, Kupang, Indonesia
2. Department of Informatics Engineering, STIKOM Uyelindo, Kupang, Indonesia
3. Department of Biology Education, University of West Sulawesi, Indonesia
Email: sumarlin@uyelindo.ac.id (S.S.); yosube@uyelindo.ac.id (Y.S.B.); mardhaliasaitakela@uyelindo.ac.id (M.S.); belalawe1308@gmail.com (B.J.B.); naikoten13@uyelindo.ac.id (Y.J.L.); menhyasnae@uyelindo.ac.id (M.S.); semlinda@uyelindo.ac.id (S.J.B.); yohanismalelak@uyelindo.ac.id (Y.M.); hasibunhasikin@uyelindo.ac.id (H.A.); sarirahayu@unsulbar.ac.id (S.R.R.)
*Corresponding author
2. Department of Informatics Engineering, STIKOM Uyelindo, Kupang, Indonesia
3. Department of Biology Education, University of West Sulawesi, Indonesia
Email: sumarlin@uyelindo.ac.id (S.S.); yosube@uyelindo.ac.id (Y.S.B.); mardhaliasaitakela@uyelindo.ac.id (M.S.); belalawe1308@gmail.com (B.J.B.); naikoten13@uyelindo.ac.id (Y.J.L.); menhyasnae@uyelindo.ac.id (M.S.); semlinda@uyelindo.ac.id (S.J.B.); yohanismalelak@uyelindo.ac.id (Y.M.); hasibunhasikin@uyelindo.ac.id (H.A.); sarirahayu@unsulbar.ac.id (S.R.R.)
*Corresponding author
Manuscript received May 21, 2025; revised June 17, 2025; accepted July 15, 2025; published March 13, 2026
Abstract—This research explores the potential of Augmented Reality (AR) technology in supporting student engagement, learning motivation, and academic outcomes in Indonesian elementary schools during online learning. Using a quasi-experimental design, two groups were compared: an experimental group using AR and a control group with traditional methods. Data were collected via pre-tests and post-tests to assess academic outcomes, questionnaires to measure engagement and motivation, and interviews for qualitative insights. Results indicated that AR was associated with increased student engagement, with the experimental group scoring higher than the control group (p < 0.05). AR use also appeared to support greater motivation and academic performance, particularly in complex subjects like science and mathematics. Thematic analysis suggested that AR’s visual and interactive features may aid students in retaining material more effectively. However, challenges such as connectivity issues and limited device availability were noted as barriers to optimal implementation. This study suggests that AR has potential to enhance online learning in elementary schools, especially when supported by adequate infrastructure and teacher training. These findings provide insights for future education policy and technology integration strategies in Indonesian schools.
Keywords—augmented reality, student engagement, online learning, elementary school, learning motivation, academic results
Copyright © 2026 by the authors. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited (CC BY 4.0).
Keywords—augmented reality, student engagement, online learning, elementary school, learning motivation, academic results
Cite: Sumarlin Sumarlin, Yohanes Suban Belutowe, Mardhalia Saitakela, Benyamin Jago Belalawe, Yosep Jacob Latuan, Menya Snae, Semlinda Juszandri Bulan, Yohanis Malelak, Hasibun Asikin, and Sari Rahayu Rahman, "Immersive Learning Unleashed: Augmented Reality to Boost Student Engagement in Primary Education," International Journal of Information and Education Technology, vol. 16, no. 3, pp. 648-657, 2026.
Copyright © 2026 by the authors. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited (CC BY 4.0).