Development of Augmented Reality (AR) Learning Media for Dhammapada

Abstract

This research had three main objectives: (1) to study the use of Augmented Reality (AR) Dhammapada instructional media, (2) to design and develop AR-based Dhammapada learning media, and (3) to evaluate learners’ learning effectiveness. The study employed a qualitative research methodology, utilizing documentary research and practical implementation. The collected data were analyzed and synthesized to design and develop an innovative instructional media in accordance with the stated objectives.

          The research findings revealed that: 1)AR-based Dhammapada instructional media involves transforming the Dhammapada—teachings of the Buddha presented in Pali verses with Thai translations—into learning materials through augmented reality technology. This innovation generated four key benefits: (1) the Dhamma content became modernized and relevant, (2) the lessons became vivid and effectively connected learners with contextual events, (3) it created impressive and meaningful learning experiences, and (4) it enabled learners to access the content anytime and anywhere. 2) The design and development of the AR Dhammapada media integrated Bloom’s learning theory, covering the three domains: cognitive, affective, and psychomotor, together with the concepts of Active Learning and the CIPPA instructional model. This integration resulted in high-quality instructional media aligned with 21st-century learning processes. The developed media demonstrated appropriateness in terms of content, design, presentation, and interaction. Augmented Reality technology served as a key tool in fostering experiential learning, enabling learners not only to receive information but also to interact with the content, practice critical thinking and analysis, and systematically reflect on the moral values embedded in the Dhammapada. 3) The evaluation of learners’ learning effectiveness, based on a satisfaction questionnaire, indicated that learners’ overall satisfaction with the AR Dhammapada instructional media was at the highest level, with a mean score of 4.90 and a standard deviation of 0.30. This demonstrates that the developed media effectively enhanced learning outcomes and generated new knowledge in the form of an innovative AR-based learning model—transforming Dhamma education into the digital age.