Grant Recipients
Thorsten Dieckmann, Chemistry
Steve Forsey, Chemistry
Shawna Poechman (Research Assistant)
(Project Timeline: May 1, 2020 - April 30, 2021)
Description
- This project aims to develop and test a new tool to assist instructors in teaching students about the macroscopic properties and functions of molecules and atoms, in chemistry and biochemistry courses.
- The use of Augmented Reality (AR) for this project stems off the fact that students are better able to comprehend atomic models when they have a visual model, and in this case, one that they can interact with.
- Grant applicants anticipate this will increase student engagement and active learning in the classroom.
Questions Investigated
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Does the use of our AR app increase student engagement and active participation in the classroom?
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Do students develop a better understanding of the crucial structure-function relationships in chemistry and biochemistry that are difficult to visualize using traditional methods?
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Can the use of the AR app contribute to greater perceived satisfaction and usage of AR applications and lessons by instructors?
Findings
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An application built in the open source program "AR.js" has been constructed, and will be able to be used on any device with a camera and web access
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AR.js solves many issues that were previously experienced whilst constructing this application such as simplification, and ease-of-use.
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As of December 2022, the application is fully functional and is to be tested in classrooms in Winter 2023.
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Currently there are two completed models/mechanisms within the application:
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An animated hemoglobin model for biochemistry courses
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Two reaction mechanisms for organic chemistry courses
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The application was tested in:
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CHEM 233 in Winter 2023, taught by Dr. Subha Kalyaanamoorthy
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CHEM 264 in Spring 2023, taught by Dr. Steven Forsey
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Dissemination and Impact
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Presentations have been given in the Chemistry department on the topic of this application, and has attracted interest from colleagues.
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An early version of the app has been demonstrated to the Waterloo XR Community of Practice group.
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Applicants hope to present findings from this project at a future edition of the University of Waterloo Teaching and Learning Conference (UWTL).
References
Zahira Merchanta, Ernest T.Goetz, Lauren Cifuentes, Wendy Keeney-Kennicutt, and Trina J.Davis; Effectiveness of virtual reality-based instruction on students' learning outcomes in K-12 and higher education: A meta-analysis. (2014) Computers & Education 70, Pages 29-40
Iulian Radu; Augmented reality in education: a meta-review and cross-media analysis. (2014) Personal and Ubiquitous Computing 18, Pages 1533–1543
Su Cai, Xu Wang, and Feng-Kuang Chiang; A case study of Augmented Reality simulation system application in a chemistry course. (2014) Computers in Human Behavior 37 Pages 31–40