Teaching and Learning Astronomy Subjects Through Hybrid Methods: Interactive and Implementation AL-KAHF Games Activity Based on Augmented Reality

Board games are an effective method in educating the community, especially students, to understand various fields of knowledge. Astronomy, for example, is a discipline that requires knowledge of celestial objects' movements, making it a highly technical and challenging subject. This field demands theoretical understanding and practical experience. The Introduction to Astronomy and Astronomy Management courses in Malaysia are two elective courses offered by the Shariah Studies Center at the Faculty of Contemporary Islamic Studies (FKI), Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA). Due to the difficulty in studying these two subjects, this study focuses on a hybrid learning technique using board games with the implementation of augmented reality (AR) technology to facilitate students' understanding of Introduction to Astronomy and Astronomy Management in Malaysia. A board game named 'Kembara Alam Hartawan Falak' (AL-KAHF) with AR technology implementation has been developed. The methodology used is both qualitative and quantitative. Qualitatively, a library research method involving documentation of relevant references and unstructured interviews with academicians knowledgeable in Astronomy and AR technology is employed. Meanwhile, quantitatively, a survey method will be distributed to students taking the Introduction to Astronomy and Astronomy Management courses in Malaysia. This aims to assess the readiness and effectiveness of the game with technology in enhancing students' understanding. This study has resulted in the creation of a board game integrated with AR technology for the first time in the field of Islamic studies, particularly in Astronomy. The development of this board game with AR technology is found to be highly relevant for learning and teaching Astronomy. Consequently, it will benefit Malaysia, particularly students of these subjects, as well as academicians and the general public interested in Astronomy.