Impact of an Augmented Reality Environment in Learning Computer Networks Principles

Nowadays, computer networks’ stability has a key role in the security of any infrastructure. The purpose of this research work is to determine whether the use of software tools with augmented reality affects the learning process in the field of computer networks. The study was carried out in a military higher education institution. For this purpose, an augmented reality application was built. Then an experiment was set in two scenarios, with and without augmented reality, respectively. Two different class groups were involved in the experiment for each scenario. In order to measure the quantitative level of acquired knowledge of students, a survey was applied. A total of 108 students and 4 professors participated in this study. A chi-squared test of independence turned out into the rejection of the null hypothesis. The use of augmented reality actually impacts the learning process. In fact, for questions 2, 3, 6, 8, and 9, more than 80% of the answers were correct when using augmented reality during the learning process. It turned out that through an augmented reality experience, students were able to significantly improve their learning about computer network infrastructures.