A meta-analytical comparison of the effects of augmented reality applications on students' academic achievements (The case of Türkiye and Egypt)

Augmented reality (AR) technology has emerged as a promising educational tool, providing immersive experiences that enhance students' learning. This meta-analytical study aims to investigate the impact of AR applications on academic achievement in two distinct cultural and educational contexts: Türkiye and Egypt. The primary objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of AR technology in promoting academic success and offer significant insights for educators and policymakers. The research commences by delving into the role of AR in education, emphasizing its potential to engage students, capture their attention, and facilitate deeper learning in comparison to traditional instructional methods. The study draws from the results of 50 previous studies on augmented reality in Türkiye and Egypt, conducting a meta-analysis. Specific objectives include evaluating the influence of AR implementation on students' academic performance, discerning any significant differences in impact sizes between the two countries, and analyzing variations in the effects of AR applications on academic success. The meta-analysis reveals several key findings. Overall, AR applications positively impact students' academic achievement, with an average effect size of 0.602. While this effect size varies slightly between Türkiye (0.590) and Egypt (1.027), the difference lacks statistical significance, suggesting that AR technology has the potential to improve learning outcomes in both countries. Further analysis based on subject areas, lesson durations, and sample sizes provides nuanced insights. Science subjects benefit the most from AR's visual and interactive features, while shorter, focused AR sessions demonstrate greater effectiveness. Moreover, studies with larger sample sizes yield higher effect sizes, emphasizing the significance of robust research methodologies. In conclusion, this meta-analytical study offers insights into the educational landscape, highlighting AR technology's potential to enhance academic achievement. It underscores the importance of context-specific adaptation and tailored strategies for integrating AR into diverse educational settings. Educators and policymakers can leverage these findings to inform the incorporation of AR into curricula, aiming to improve teaching methodologies and student outcomes. Keywords: augmented reality, academic achievement, AR applications, success, achievement, meta-analysis.