Learning Algebra using Augmented Reality: A Preliminary Investigation on the Application of Photomath for Lower Secondary Education

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effect of Photomath mobile application on the achievement and attitude of learning algebraic equations for lower secondary school students in Malaysia. Photomath is a free mobile application, for both ios and android platforms, which uses computer vision and image understanding technology to scan math equations using the mobile camera to subsequently provide worked solutions. The application recognises equations of both printed and handwritten in nature and provides step-by-step calculations and graphical solutions. In this study, data were collected from 33 lower secondary students through pre and post-test and questionnaire. Data from pre-test and post-test were used to investigate the performance of students after the application of Photomath, whereas the questionnaire was used to identify the attitude of students towards the application of Photomath in learning algebraic equations, regarding belief and readiness aspects. Different mean scores for pre-test and post-test were tested, and hypothesis testing using a t-test was used. Data from the questionnaire were analysed using descriptive statistics. This study has found that the application of Photomath significantly enhances the learning of algebraic equations among Form Two students. However, the participants’ belief and readiness towards Photomath are still at a moderate level.