Using learning analytics to investigate learning processes and behavioural patterns in an augmented reality language learning environment.

Background: Augmented reality has been widely applied in various fields, and its benefits in language learning have been increasingly recognized. However, the investigation of effective learning behaviours and processes in augmented reality learning environments, taking into account temporality and analysis of differences in learning behaviours between learning achievements from the perspective of learning strategies, is still a topic that requires further research. Objectives: The goal of this research is to explore effective learning processes in AR language learning environments and learning behavioural patterns of learners with different performance levels via LA taking into account temporality. Methods: We used the learning application designed and developed in previous studies to understand the learning process and behavioural patterns of acquiring Japanese compound verbs with augmented reality. Lag sequential analyses were conducted to analyse the learning behavioural transitions using learning data. Additionally, frequent sequences were analysed using frequent sequence mining to compare the learning behavioural patterns of learners with different learning performances. Results and Conclusions: We investigated the learning process and behavioural patterns and discussed the language learning strategies employed in the augmented reality learning environment. The results indicated that learners primarily performed strategies of performed expressions, recombining, and structured reviewing in AR compound verb learning activities. Furthermore, the results revealed the different types of strategies applied by different learning performance learners, whereby the low group learners used the least variety of strategies, and the middle and high group learners employed repeating and deductive reasoning strategies that were not followed by the low group. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic: The development of information and communication technologies have made augmented reality (AR) technology gradually known and applied.The use of AR is increasingly gaining attention in language learning owing to advantages of increasing motivation and satisfaction, learning performance of language skills and improving interaction among materials, learners and teachers.Learning Analytics (LA) plays a key role in analysing learning data.LA studies in language learning are almost always used to monitor data such as attendance and amount of learned vocabulary. What this paper adds: Employing temporal LA techniques of lag sequential analysis and frequent sequence mining to investigate learners' behavioural patterns and processes.Learning behavioural patterns in AR learning environments were discussed from the perspective of language learning strategies.The three main learning behavioural patterns of analysing expressions, recombining, and structured reviewing in the learning process were confirmed.High performance level learners used the greatest variety of learning strategies. Implications: A new category of language learning strategies under technology‐enhanced language learning is required.Different learning strategies should be instructed for the learner's performance in the AR learning environment.Based on a full understanding of the role of AR system features, it is crucial to conduct instructional designs for language learning using language learning strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]