Augmented reality for learning in special education: a systematic literature review

Abstract

The use of technology in special education has been rapidly increased in recent years. Augmented reality (AR) is one of these technologies that combines real world and virtual objects together. AR has the potential to be used as a teaching technique for students with special needs to develop their daily lives skills, supporting learning, increasing comfort and confidence and improving physical, navigation skills and social skills. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate studies on the effects of using AR for the education of students with special needs. Specifically, this literature review investigates the research designs of these studies, the disability groups that AR applications used with, the skills that were taught using AR applications, the opinions of the students and teachers regarding the AR application and influence of AR applications on learning performance of individuals with special needs. Findings show that the use of AR has potential advantages and disadvantages for the education of students with special needs.