Augmented Reality in Elementary School: A Bibliometric Analysis of Research Trends and Development

Authors

  • Eko Febri Syahputra Siregar Indonesia University of Education image/svg+xml Author
  • Bunyamin Maftuh Indonesia University of Education image/svg+xml Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17509/mimbar-sd.v13i3.189

Keywords:

Augmented reality, Bibliometric analysis, Educational technology, Elementary school, Research trends

Abstract

This study aims to map the development, productivity, and research trends related to the use of Augmented Reality (AR) in elementary education over the past two decades through a bibliometric approach. Data were retrieved from the Scopus database using the keywords “augmented reality,” “primary school,” and “elementary school,” and filtered through inclusion–exclusion criteria and the PRISMA procedure. A total of 206 articles met the eligibility criteria and were analyzed using VOSviewer and Biblioshiny. The results show a substantial increase in AR related publications in primary education, particularly since 2019, indicating a period of rapid groeth. Taiwan is the most productive and influential country, followed by Malaysia and Indonesia. Leading educational technology journals, including Computers & Education and Educational Technology & Society, play a major role in disseminating AR research. Keyword analysis reveals three dominant themes: AR integration in mathematics and science learning; challenges and teacher readiness for AR implementation; and the development of interactive AR–VR-based learning environments. Recent studies increasingly focus on pedagogical effectiveness, cognitive load, learning motivation, and mobile learning. Overall, AR demonstrates considerable potential to improve students’ conceptual understanding, motivation, and learning experiences despite ongoing technical and pedagogical challenges. These findings provide insight for policymakers, educators, and researchers seeking to advance AR integration in primary education.

References

Alalwan, N., Cheng, L., Al-Samarraie, H., Yousef, R., Ibrahim Alzahrani, A., & Sarsam, S. M. (2020). Challenges and Prospects of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Utilization among Primary School Teachers: A Developing Country Perspective. Studies in Educational Evaluation, 66, 100876. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stueduc.2020.100876

Ansorge, L. (2024). Bibliometric Studies as a Publication Strategy. Metrics, 1(1), 5. https://doi.org/10.3390/metrics1010005

Aria, M., & Cuccurullo, C. (2017). bibliometrix: An R-tool for comprehensive science mapping analysis. Journal of Informetrics, 11(4), 959–975. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joi.2017.08.007

Azer SA. (2017). Top-Cited Articles in Problem-Based Learning: A Bibliometric Analysis and Quality of Evidence Assessment. J Dent Educ. 4(81), 458–478. https://doi.org/10.21815/JDE.016.011

Azuma, R. T. (1997). A Survey of Augmented Reality. In Presence: Teleoperators and Virtual Environments (Vol. 6). http://www.cs.unc.edu/~azumaW:

Bacca, J., Baldiris, S., Fabregat, R., Graf, S., & Kinshuk. (2014a). Augmented Reality Trends in Education: A Systematic Review of Research and Applications. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 17(4), 133–149. http://www.jstor.org/stable/jeductechsoci.17.4.133

Bacca, J., Baldiris, S., Fabregat, R., Graf, S., & Kinshuk. (2014b). Augmented Reality Trends in Education: A Systematic Review of Research and Applications. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 17(4), 133–149. http://www.jstor.org/stable/jeductechsoci.17.4.133

Belmonte, J. L., Moreno-Guerrero, A. J., Núñez, J. A. L., & Sánchez, S. P. (2019). Analysis of the productive, structural, and dynamic development of augmented reality in higher education research on the web of science. In Applied Sciences (Switzerland) (Vol. 9, Number 24). MDPI AG. https://doi.org/10.3390/app9245306

Bond, M., Bedenlier, S., Marín, V. I., & Händel, M. (2021). Emergency remote teaching in higher education: mapping the first global online semester. In International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education (Vol. 18, Number 1). Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-021-00282-x

Buchner, J., Buntins, K., & Kerres, M. (2022). The impact of augmented reality on cognitive load and performance: A systematic review. In Journal of Computer Assisted Learning (Vol. 38, Number 1, pp. 285–303). John Wiley and Sons Inc. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12617

Chang, H. Y., Binali, T., Liang, J. C., Chiou, G. L., Cheng, K. H., Lee, S. W. Y., & Tsai, C. C. (2022). Ten years of augmented reality in education: A meta-analysis of (quasi-) experimental studies to investigate the impact. Computers and Education, 191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2022.104641

Chang, R.-C., Chung, L.-Y., & Huang, Y.-M. (2016). Developing an interactive augmented reality system as a complement to plant education and comparing its effectiveness with video learning. Interactive Learning Environments, 24(6), 1245–1264. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2014.982131

Chang, S.-C., & Hwang, G.-J. (2018). Impacts of an augmented reality-based flipped learning guiding approach on students’ scientific project performance and perceptions. Computers & Education, 125, 226–239. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2018.06.007

Chen, C.-M., & Tsai, Y.-N. (2012). Interactive augmented reality system for enhancing library instruction in elementary schools. Computers & Education, 59(2), 638–652. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2012.03.001

Cheng, K.-H., & Tsai, C.-C. (2013). Affordances of Augmented Reality in Science Learning: Suggestions for Future Research. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 22(4), 449–462. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-012-9405-9

Chiang, T. H. C., Yang, S. J. H., & Hwang, G.-J. (2014a). An Augmented Reality-based Mobile Learning System to Improve Students’ Learning Achievements and Motivations in Natural Science Inquiry Activities. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 17(4), 352–365. http://www.jstor.org/stable/jeductechsoci.17.4.352

Chiang, T. H. C., Yang, S. J. H., & Hwang, G.-J. (2014b). Students’ online interactive patterns in augmented reality-based inquiry activities. Computers & Education, 78, 97–108. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2014.05.006

Demitriadou, E., Stavroulia, K.-E., & Lanitis, A. (2020). Comparative evaluation of virtual and augmented reality for teaching mathematics in primary education. Education and Information Technologies, 25(1), 381–401. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-019-09973-5

Donthu, N., Kumar, S., Mukherjee, D., Pandey, N., & Lim, W. M. (2021). How to conduct a bibliometric analysis: An overview and guidelines. Journal of Business Research, 133, 285–296. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.04.070

Erlande, R., Lubis, B. S., Taufika, R., & Juri. (2025). Bibliometric analysis on global citizenship education in higher education. Globalisation, Societies and Education, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/14767724.2025.2513639

Furió, D., Juan, M.-C., Seguí, I., & Vivó, R. (2015). Mobile learning vs. traditional classroom lessons: a comparative study. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 31(3), 189–201. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12071

Garzón, J., & Acevedo, J. (2019). Meta-analysis of the impact of Augmented Reality on students’ learning gains. Educational Research Review, 27, 244–260. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2019.04.001

Gonnermann-Müller, J., & Krüger, J. M. (2025). Unlocking Augmented Reality Learning Design Based on Evidence From Empirical Cognitive Load Studies—A Systematic Literature Review. In Journal of Computer Assisted Learning (Vol. 41, Number 1). John Wiley and Sons Inc. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.13095

Hwang, G.-J., Wu, P.-H., Chen, C.-C., & Tu, N.-T. (2016). Effects of an augmented reality-based educational game on students’ learning achievements and attitudes in real-world observations. Interactive Learning Environments, 24(8), 1895–1906. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2015.1057747

Ibáñez, M.-B., & Delgado-Kloos, C. (2018). Augmented reality for STEM learning: A systematic review. Computers & Education, 123, 109–123. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2018.05.002

Joo-Nagata, J., Martinez Abad, F., García-Bermejo Giner, J., & García-Peñalvo, F. J. (2017). Augmented reality and pedestrian navigation through its implementation in m-learning and e-learning: Evaluation of an educational program in Chile. Computers & Education, 111, 1–17. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2017.04.003

Kerawalla, L., Luckin, R., Seljeflot, S., & Woolard, A. (2006). “Making it real”: exploring the potential of augmented reality for teaching primary school science. Virtual Reality, 10(3), 163–174. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10055-006-0036-4

Kolb, D. (1984). Experiential learning: experience as the source of learning and development. Prentice Hall. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235701029_Experiential_Learning_Experience_As_The_Source_Of_Learning_And_Development

Kuzior, A., & Sira, M. (2022). A Bibliometric Analysis of Blockchain Technology Research Using VOSviewer. Sustainability (Switzerland), 14(13). https://doi.org/10.3390/su14138206

Lai, A., Chen, C., & Lee, G. (2019). An augmented reality‐based learning approach to enhancing students’ science reading performances from the perspective of the cognitive load theory. British Journal of Educational Technology, 50(1), 232–247. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71

Lin, C.-Y., Chai, H.-C., Wang, J., Chen, C.-J., Liu, Y.-H., Chen, C.-W., Lin, C.-W., & Huang, Y.-M. (2016). Augmented reality in educational activities for children with disabilities. Displays, 42, 51–54. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.12716

Liu, T.-Y., Tan, T.-H., & Chu, Y.-L. (2009). Outdoor Natural Science Learning with an RFID-Supported Immersive Ubiquitous Learning Environment. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 12(4), 161–175. http://www.jstor.org/stable/jeductechsoci.12.4.161

López-Faican, L., & Jaen, J. (2020). EmoFindAR: Evaluation of a mobile multiplayer augmented reality game for primary school children. Computers & Education, 149, 103814. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2020.103814

Lu, S.-J., & Liu, Y.-C. (2015). Integrating augmented reality technology to enhance children’s learning in marine education. Environmental Education Research, 21(4), 525–541. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2014.911247

Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J. M., Akl, E. A., Brennan, S. E., Chou, R., Glanville, J., Grimshaw, J. M., Hróbjartsson, A., Lalu, M. M., Li, T., Loder, E. W., Mayo-Wilson, E., McDonald, S., … Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. In BMJ (Vol. 372). BMJ Publishing Group. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71

Pérez-López, D., & Contero, M. (2013). Delivering Educational Multimedia Contents Through an Augmented Reality Application: A Case Study on its Impact on Knowledge Acquisition and Retention. In Tojet: The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology (Vol. 12, Number 4). https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1018026.pdf

Pesta, B., Fuerst, J., & Kirkegaard, E. O. W. (2018). Bibliometric keyword analysis across seventeen years (2000–2016) of intelligence articles. Journal of Intelligence, 6(4), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence6040046

Piaget, J. (1970). THE PSYCHOLOGY OF THE CHILD.

Piaget, J. (1973). To Understand Is To Invent The Future of Education. In Grossman. Grossman.

Rossano, V., Lanzilotti, R., Cazzolla, A., & Roselli, T. (2020). Augmented Reality to Support Geometry Learning. IEEE Access, 8, 107772–107780. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2020.3000990

Saputra, D., Susilo, S., Abidin, Y., & Mulyati, T. (2022, July 27). Augmented Reality In Science Learning For Elementary School Students. https://doi.org/10.4108/eai.25-11-2021.2318819

Singh, S., Kaur, A., & Gulzar, Y. (2024). The impact of augmented reality on education: a bibliometric exploration. Frontiers in Education, Volume 9-2024. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/education/articles/10.3389/feduc.2024.1458695

Tlili, A., Huang, R., Shehata, B., Liu, D., Zhao, J., Metwally, A. H. S., Wang, H., Denden, M., Bozkurt, A., Lee, L. H., Beyoglu, D., Altinay, F., Sharma, R. C., Altinay, Z., Li, Z., Liu, J., Ahmad, F., Hu, Y., Salha, S., … Burgos, D. (2022). Is Metaverse in education a blessing or a curse: a combined content and bibliometric analysis. In Smart Learning Environments (Vol. 9, Number 1). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-022-00205-x

Tomaszewski, R. (2023). Visibility, impact, and applications of bibliometric software tools through citation analysis. Scientometrics, 128(7), 4007–4028. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-023-04725-2

UNESCO. (2023). Global Education Monitoring Report, 2023 : Technology in Education: A Tool on Whose Terms? United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization 7. https://doi.org/10.54676/UZQV8501

van Eck, N. J., & Waltman, L. (2010). Software survey: VOSviewer, a computer program for bibliometric mapping. Scientometrics, 84(2), 523–538. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-009-0146-3

Vygotsky, L. S., & Cole, M. (1978). Mind in society: Development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press. https://home.fau.edu/musgrove/web/vygotsky1978.pdf

Wen, Y. (2021). Augmented reality enhanced cognitive engagement: Designing classroom-based collaborative learning activities for young language learners. Educational Technology Research and Development, 69(2), 843–860. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-020-09893-z

Wu, P.-H., Hwang, G.-J., Yang, M.-L., & Chen, C.-H. (2018). Impacts of integrating the repertory grid into an augmented reality-based learning design on students’ learning achievements, cognitive load and degree of satisfaction. Interactive Learning Environments, 26(2), 221–234. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2017.1294608

Zawacki-Richter, O., Marín, V. I., Bond, M., & Gouverneur, F. (2019). Systematic review of research on artificial intelligence applications in higher education – where are the educators? International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 16(1), 39. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-019-0171-0

Zekeik, H., Chahbi, M., Lamarti Sefian, M., & Bakkali, I. (2025). Augmented reality and virtual reality in education: A systematic narrative review on benefits, challenges, and applications. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 21(9), Article em2699. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/16830

Zupic, Ivan, & Čater, Tomaž. (2014). Bibliometric Methods in Management and Organization. Organizational Research Methods, 18(3), 429–472. https://doi.org/10.1177/1094428114562629

Downloads

Published

09/09/2026

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Augmented Reality in Elementary School: A Bibliometric Analysis of Research Trends and Development. (2026). Mimbar Sekolah Dasar, 13(3), 410-430. https://doi.org/10.17509/mimbar-sd.v13i3.189