The Effects of AR Learning Environment to Preschool Children’s Numerical Cognition

Preschool children have difficulty learning and comprehending abstract concepts, and the cognition of numbers has always been the key to mathematical enlightenment for young children. Our research aims to help preschool children build their cognition of cardinal and ordinal numbers, comprehend simple logical relationships, and master simple digital addition. We developed an Augmented Reality learning tool based on theories related to number cognition and a theoretical framework of software design for preschool children. We also conducted a teaching experiment in a kindergarten, and interviewed the teachers of the kindergarten to learn about their attitudes towards the application of AR in preschool education. Through data analysis, interviews, and discussions, we conclude that (a) AR application can positively influence children’s cognitive digital skills; (b) children have positive attitudes and positive evaluations toward AR application use, but there are some unavoidable problems in children’s attention allocation; (c) proficiency in operating AR tools has a large impact on children’s learning effects.