An extended reality game-based learning environment to engage family groups in museum visits
Tien-Yu Hsu, Hsin-Yi Liang, Joni Tzuchen Tang, Jen-Yuan YehPurpose
This study develops an extended reality game-based learning (XR-GBL) approach for engaging family groups in museum learning. An XR-GBL service was provided to foster reciprocal and balanced caregiver-children interactions. This study intends to investigate the influence of XR technologies on museum learning, with a particular focus on their characteristics and on children’s learning outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
An XR-GBL service was implemented in a science museum to engage family groups in learning. The study examined the effectiveness of learning with the XR-GBL approach and the conventional GBL approach. A mixed-method study was conducted to examine how the families evaluate their experiences with the two approaches. Besides, the drawing analysis technique was used to examine the children’s learning outcomes.
Findings
The results showed that the XR-GBL approach has transformed the nature of museum learning. Additionally, the XR-GBL approach significantly encouraged children to inquire about the exhibits and improved their detailed observations.
Originality/value
This study suggests that encouraging young children’s active engagement in museum learning may facilitate more balanced and meaningful interactions between caregivers and children. The study provides empirical evidence for promoting family group learning in museums. The results could be used to develop XR applications for intergenerational learning.