Development and Implementation of a universal augmented reality (AR) app to enhance classroom teaching in Chemistry and Biochemistry

Mobile phone with AR app

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

  • Does the use of our AR app increase student engagement and active participation in the classroom?  

  • Do students develop a better understanding of the crucial structure-function relationships in chemistry and biochemistry that are difficult to visualize using traditional methods? 

  • Can the use of the AR app contribute to greater perceived satisfaction and usage of AR applications and lessons by instructors?

Findings

  • 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

    • AR.js solves many issues that were previously experienced whilst constructing this application such as simplification, and ease-of-use.

  • As of December 2022, the application is fully functional and is to be tested in classrooms in Winter 2023.

    • Currently there are two completed models/mechanisms within the application:

      • An animated hemoglobin model for biochemistry courses

      • Two reaction mechanisms for organic chemistry courses

    • The application was tested in:

      • CHEM 233 in Winter 2023, taught by Dr. Subha Kalyaanamoorthy

      • CHEM 264 in Spring 2023, taught by Dr. Steven Forsey

Dissemination and Impact

  • Presentations have been given in the Chemistry department on the topic of this application, and has attracted interest from colleagues.

  • An early version of the app has been demonstrated to the Waterloo XR Community of Practice group.

  • 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