DB3dT+AR Pilot Study

By: Nur Izzati Insyirah Zaharudin
15 April 2022



Dylexic children have been reported to have difficulties in reading, spelling and phonology. Technology can help children with dyslexia to get around their difficulties. DisleksiaBelajar is an education technology framework developed by hive Digital Education to help dyslexic children to learn the Malay language through technologies that maximize the use of multisensory learning channels and engage the attention and participation of dyslexic children


DisleksiaBelajar's 3dT+AR mobile app is a tangible learning system specifically designed to enhance dyslexic children's learning by providing embodiment and immersive learning experience through Tangible Objects (such as letter cards, letter blocks and toys) and Augmented Reality (AR). Six learning modules are included in the app, including letters, syllables, spelling, reading, and comprehension.


Before conducting the real experiment, a pilot study was carried out to investigate the feasibility of the 3dT+AR mobile app. The study was conducted in October 2021 over Zoom Meetings due to the pandemic situation. Four participants between 8 and 10 years old were involved in the pilot study.


Before each session, the parents of each participant were given detailed information about the study, a consent form, and a set of equipment needed for the experiment. Due to the pandemic, the parents were required to set up all of the necessary equipment and study materials in their respective houses. The instrument for the observation comprised a mobile tablet with the 3dT+AR mobile app, a phone to record the whole session from the top view when participants were using the app, study kits containing alphabet flashcards, and cardboard. At the beginning of each session, the researcher briefed the audience about the research and the objectives that we would like to achieve. This pilot study aimed to observe the participants’ cognitive, behavioral and emotional engagement while using the application. The participants were assigned tasks in multisensory formats including image, audio, and video. Each pilot study session lasted approximately 40 minutes.


Following each successful observation session, the researcher conducted a short interview with each participant to assess user satisfaction and obtain their feedback on the application. The participants were asked about their perspective and thoughts on the application’s learning approach and how they felt about the session overall. The responses we received from the participants were mainly positive, with happy participants who appeared eager to complete the given modules. The participants seemed to be most responsive during learning activities that involved the tangible objects and showed a desire to use the tools again.


We would like to Thank all of the participants and parents who contributed to the success of this pilot study.