Reflections on augmented reality codes for teaching fundamental defensive techniques to boxing beginners

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Educational Technology
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Augmented Reality (AR) offers immersive educational experiences, enabling interaction with virtual objects in real-world contexts.
• AR can enhance learning by providing safe, controlled environments for skill acquisition and problem-solving.
• Traditional teaching methods may not fully leverage technology for practical skill development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of AR codes on the acquisition of fundamental defensive boxing techniques among beginners.
• To compare the effectiveness of AR-integrated learning with traditional command-style instruction.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental design with control and experimental groups (n=60) of boxing beginners (ages 12-14).
• The experimental group utilized AR technology within a flipped classroom model based on the ASSURE instructional design model.
• The control group received instruction via a traditional teacher's command style.
• Post-measurements assessed defensive boxing skills in both groups.

Main Results:

• The experimental group demonstrated significantly better performance in post-measurements of defensive boxing skills compared to the control group.
• AR Codes technology exhibited a large effect size on the learning of the targeted defensive boxing skills.
• Participants in the AR group showed enhanced skill acquisition.

Conclusions:

• AR Codes technology is a valuable educational resource for improving the learning process in sports, specifically defensive boxing skills.
• Integrating AR with active learning strategies, like the flipped classroom, enhances skill development.
• AR technology can be effectively applied to teach fundamental techniques and potentially advance to offensive and counterattack skills.