Usability and Acceptance of a Mobile Augmented Reality Tourism English Learning Application (MARTEL) among Chinese Vocational College Students

Abstract

The rapid growth of the global tourism industry has increased demand for tourism management graduates with strong English communication skills. Nonetheless, Tourism English courses in Chinese vocational education are depending still on lecture-based through conventional teaching tools, thus limit students’ opportunities to practice real-life language communication. In addressing this challenge, this study aims to evaluate the Mobile Augmented Reality Tourism English Learning (MARTEL) application to enhance students’ engagement and practical communication abilities. A quantitative research design was employed involving 429 students from a vocational college in China. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to examine the usability and acceptance of the application. The results indicated that students are at early stage while the frequency usage of the application are at moderate level. Conversely, usability evaluation reported a high satisfaction rate of 84.4%. SEM analysis revealed that students’ Perceived Usefulness, Facilitating Conditions, and Attitude significantly influenced their acceptance of MARTEL. The findings demonstrate that MARTEL enhances students’ learning, motivation and supports the development of practical English communication skills. Hence, the study proposes a curriculum–technology integration framework that offers a scalable approach for integrating immersive technologies into vocational language education.