APPLICATION OF AUGMENTED REALITY FOR WORKING MEMORY IMPROVEMENT TO DEVELOP EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS: A CASE STUDY

Working memory, a fundamental component of executive functions, plays a key role in regulating behaviour, decision-making and learning.In the last decade, Augmented Reality (AR) has emerged as a promising technology for education, due to its ability to provide interactive environments that enhance learning and concentration.In this context, the present pilot study aims to examine the efficacy of an AR-based intervention to improve the executive ability of working memory in a primary school student.To achieve this general objective, a methodology based on a quantitative approach with a single-case quasi-experimental design, using pretest and posttest, has been implemented.For this design, the sample was purposively selected in a non-probabilistic manner and consists of a 7-year-old female student.Specifically, the BRIEF2 (Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function-2) was used as an instrument to measure working memory skills.The intervention was carried out in a school in Alicante, Spain.As for the procedure, it consisted of five individual sessions of 30 minutes each, where tasks designed to increase cognitive load were performed in a gradual and controlled manner based on the common thread 'Let's go to the zoo'.During the sessions, the student was asked to perform specific working memory exercises, adapted using AR software that incorporates interactive visual and auditory stimuli.These stimuli are adjusted in real time to the user's responses, allowing for a high level of personalisation and encouraging participant engagement.The results were obtained from the assessment test applied before and after the intervention.Preliminary findings indicate a significant improvement in working memory measures and suggest that Augmented Reality can be a viable and engaging tool for training executive functions.In addition, teacher feedback highlights the potential of AR to provide an immersive experience that fosters motivation and active learning, making it a valid alternative to traditional cognitive training methods.In conclusion, this pilot study not only demonstrates the potential of AR to positively impact working memory, but also provides a methodological basis for future research with larger samples.