Augmented Reality Digital Technologies (ARDT) for Foreign Language Teaching and Learning

The present study focuses on Augmented Reality and its role in language education. It has often been claimed that emerging technologies have great potential to improve language learning and increase learner performance. While their digital capabilities are almost limitless, to our knowledge, no study has been conducted to measure their effectiveness on actual language learners. In this paper we report and discuss our ongoing work on the design, management, and implementation of Augmented Reality experiences for foreign language instruction. We concentrate on the beginner's level Spanish course for which we have used Aurasma, an augmented reality app for mobile devices. The project has a three-fold purpose: 1) to increase second language learners' motivation, 2) to measure statistically the effectiveness of this technology in classroom settings, and 3) to contribute to our knowledge of digital technology and language instruction.