Integrating Augmented Reality into University Teaching: Enhancing Cognitive Engagement and Learning Effectiveness
Abstract
Abstract: Augmented reality (AR) offers new opportunities for teaching innovation in higher education by integrating visual, interactive, and situated forms of cognitive engagement. This study examines the instructional value of AR in university teaching from the perspectives of learning motivation, cognitive participation, and learning effectiveness. Drawing on recent research and classroom applications, the paper analyzes how AR enhances visualization, strengthens experiential learning, and promotes higherorder thinking. It further discusses instructional strategies for integrating AR into curriculum design, classroom interaction, and assessment. The findings indicate that AR-supported teaching can meaningfully improve students’ engagement and conceptual understanding, while simultaneously presenting challenges in technological readiness, instructional design, and faculty development. This paper contributes to ongoing discussions on educational innovation by demonstrating how AR can support pedagogical reform and improve the quality of university teaching.
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