The effect of using augmented reality application on distance learners' acceptance-usage intention and academic achievement

In this research, it was aimed to examine the effect of augmented reality (AR) application, which was developed for open and distance learning environments by considering universal design principles in teaching, on distance learners' academic achievement and their acceptance and intention to use AR applications. In the research, exploratory sequential design from mixed methods in which qualitative and quantitative research methods were used together was used. In the quantitative dimension of the research, pre-test - post-test real experimental design with control group and Type 1 holistic single case study methods were used in the qualitative dimension. In the quantitative dimension of the research, convenient sampling method was used to determine the participants of the experimental study. As a result of the experimental study of this research, it was determined that the use of AR applications increased the academic achievement of distance learners and positively affected their acceptance and intention to use AR applications. In the qualitative dimension of the study, criterion sampling method was used to determine the participants interviewed. After the interviews with distance learners, the opinions of distance learners on the use of AR applications were grouped as positive opinions, negative opinions, ergonomic problems, internet-related problems, software-related problems, user-related problems, and hardware-related problems. As a result of the integration process of the research, it was determined that the use of AR application by distance learners contributed positively to their learning, increased the retention of what they learnt, was fun and increased their academic achievement because it increased their desire to participate in the lesson. Distance learners stated that the fact that using an AR application is fun, having positive feelings about using AR applications in the future, using an AR application is useful, receiving support about using an AR application, and using an AR application is easy positively affect their acceptance and intention to use AR applications.