NusaAR: A Location-Based Augmented Reality Hologram App for Historical Learning
Keywords:
Augmented Reality, Geolocation-based learning, Historical Education, Gamification, Heritage SitesAbstract
Historical learning has been challenging for students due to passive learning and traditional teaching method. Even though it can be supported with site visits or field trips, it is often limited by static signboards and brief explanations. This paper presents NusaAR, a location-based augmented reality (AR) mobile application designed to support historical learning through immersive, site-specific experiences. Using geolocation technology, AR hologram guides are activated when users reach designated locations, providing historical narratives, visual reconstructions, and micro-learning content. Besides that, gamified activities are integrated to promote engagement and active participation among students. Leveraging the widespread use of smartphones, NusaAR able to offers an accessible approach to extend learning beyond the classroom and into authentic historical environments which make the learning process more interactive, interesting and engaging .
References
Adashvoevich, K. R. (2025). Teaching Methodology of Historical Geography Based on Modern Pedagogical Technologies in Support of Sustainable Development Goals. ASEAN Journal for Science Education, 4(2), 131-142.
Althoff, T., White, R. W., & Horvitz, E. (2016). Influence of Pokémon GO on physical activity: Study and implications. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 18(12), e315. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.6759
Chen, Y. L., Lai, C. H., & Ho, C. C. (2024). Enhancing visitor engagement in heritage museums using augmented reality: An empirical study. Journal of Cultural Heritage, 66, 45–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.culher.2023.12.004
Khor, W. S., & Mubin, O. (2024). Mobile augmented reality for cultural heritage learning: A usability evaluation. International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction, 40(3), 712–726. https://doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2023.2265417
Llanos-Ruiz, D., Abella-García, V., & Ausín-Villaverde, V. (2025). Virtual reality in higher education: A systematic review aligned with the sustainable development goals. Societies, 15(9), 251.
Lin, H. C. K., Chen, M. C., & Chang, C. K. (2025). The effects of mobile augmented reality on learning performance and cognitive load in higher education. Computers & Education, 195, 104676. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2024.104676
Mozelius, P., Bergström-Eriksson, S., & Jaldemark, J. (2017). Learning by walking: Pokémon GO and mobile technology in formal education. In Proceedings of the 10th International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation (ICERI2017) (pp. 343–351). https://doi.org/10.21125/iceri.2017.0394
Pang, Y. (2022). The effects of location-based mobile games on media literacy education in schools: A case study of Pokémon GO. In Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research (Vol. 652, pp. 917–922). https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.220504.168
Rosman, M. R. M., Arshad, I. H., Md Saleh, M. S., Abdullah, N., Fadzil, F. H., & Zawawi, M. Z. M. (2021). User behavioral intention to use online distance learning (ODL): The role of self-efficacy and domain knowledge. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies, 15(18), 4–15. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v15i18.24539
Rosman, M. R. M., Ismail, M. N., & Masrek, M. N. (2020). Investigating the predictors of digital library engagement: A structured literature analysis. Pakistan Journal of Information Management and Libraries, 22, 60–82.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Norhasimah Shari, Nurul Atiqah Zulkifle, Sheikh Fahim Imran Sheikh Ahmad Fakri, Adam Hakimi Khairul Ariff, Calysta Chan Xhin Rui Chan

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
The authors of MJII retain copyright to the content of the articles.
The content is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) 4.0 which allows content to be copied, adapted, displayed, distributed, republished, or otherwise re-used for any purpose, including for adaptation and commercial use provided the content is attributed without any restriction.
Authors Rights
The Journal grants you the following non-exclusive rights, subject to giving propoer acknowledgement to the original journal. The authors may:
(i) to reprint or reproduce the contribution, in whole or in part, in any publication of your interest.
(ii) to use material for teaching purposes; including availability of the matarial in academic course.
(iii) to post a copy of the contribution on your personal or institutional web server, provided that the server is non-commercial and there are no charges for access, and
(iv) to deposit a copy of the contribution in a non-commercial data repository maintained by an institution of which you are a member.
Author's Agreement
Author(s) guarantee the journal the following:
(i) that the contribution is their original work;
(ii) that it contains, no matter what, content that is defamatory or is otherwise unlawful or which invades rights of privacy or publicity or infringes any proprietary rights (including copyright);
(iii) that the contribution has not been published elsewhere in whole or in part and that no agreement to publish is outstanding other than this agreement. Author(s) agree to be responsible and hold the journal, its editors, staff and affiliate organizations harmless against any claims arising from or related to the breach or inaccuracy of any of the guarantees listed above.
Disclaimer
The editorial team of the MJII and the publication team of Academica Press Solutions share no responsibility regarding the views and opinions expressed by the authors.
The content published in MJII is Open Access and can be shared, adapted, reproduced, reprinted, after appropriate acknowledgment and giving due credit to the author(s) work.