Augmented reality as a game changer in experiential learning: Exploring its role cultural education for elementary schools

This study examines the role of Augmented Reality (AR) in enhancing cultural understanding through experiential learning. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with Smart PLS 4.0, we analyzed how different AR-based experiences—Simulation, Experiment 1, and Experiment 2—affect cultural diversity comprehension. Data were collected from 100 fifth-grade students at SDN Kademangan 5. Findings reveal that AR significantly enhances cultural understanding and serves as a key mediating factor. Among the experiential components, Simulation positively influences both AR and cultural understanding. Experiment 2 strongly impacts AR but has a limited direct effect on cultural understanding. Conversely, Experiment 1 shows a positive but statistically insignificant relationship. These results highlight the importance of optimizing experiential learning components and leveraging AR as a transformative educational tool to foster cultural appreciation and understanding in diverse learning environments.