Virtual reality has impacted education, where progressively more educational institutionsconsider its inclusion. The research problem derives from the need to study the educational possibilitiesprovided by integrating augmented reality into the curriculum, and its effect on academic achievement ina diverse class, specifically in the chemistry subject. This study examines 60 school-age participants withandwithout special educational needs, and addresses three overarching questions: (a)Would integratingaugmented reality (AR) technology result in better academic achievement? (b)Would knowledge beretained longer by using AR? (c) Is there any relationship between academic achievement, acceptanceand motivation regarding the use of this technology? Embracing the socio-constructivist theory oflearning and collaborative and immersive learning as a framework, this study was carried out usinga quantitative approach and a pre-experimental design. The AR VR Molecules Editor applicationwas used in chemistry lessons. Main results showed significant immediate academic achievementand content retention. Despite classroom diversity, immersive technologies enhance students’ learningregardless of whether they have special educational needs (SEN) or not. They also acknowledge that ARis a suitable sustainable technology that may foster social and cognitive justice and inclusive education,and train students that are equally prepared for the dynamic future.
Augmented Reality as a Sustainable Technology to Improve Academic Achievement in Students with and without Special Educational Needs