Design and validation of an augmented book for spatial abilities development in engineering students

[EN] This paper presents an application of augmented reality for improving spatial abilities of engineering students. An augmented book called AR-Dehaes has been designed to provide 3D virtual models that help students to perform visualization tasks to promote the development of their spatial ability during a short remedial course. A validation study with 24 Mechanical Engineering freshmen at La Laguna University (Spain) has concluded that the training had a measurable and positive impact on students' spatial ability. On the other hand, results obtained using a satisfaction questionnaire illustrate that AR-Dehaes is considered an easy to use, attractive, and very useful technique for students. AR-Dehaes has proved to be a very cost-effective tool insofar as it only required an ordinary PC with a webcam to be used.Martín-Gutiérrez, J.; Saorín, J.; Contero, M.; Alcañiz Raya, ML.; Pérez Lopez, DC.; Ortega Pérez, M. (2010). Design and validation of an augmented book for spatial abilities development in engineering students. Computers & Graphics. 34(1):77-91. doi:10.1016/j.cag.2009.11.003S779134

Augmented Approaches to Engineering

This paper presents the results of research into the integration and application of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) systems into the fields of engineering and engineering education. The research discusses the current iterations of these systems, and the programs that are being developed to run on them. Also being discussed is the potential benefits that implementing these systems can give to engineering education by improving spatial skills for use in engineering education and engineering design. This paper also touches on the current state of the AR and VR markets, and their current focus on entertainment based consumer electronics. The data on spatial skills in engineering education was first reported by Jorge Martín-Gutiérrez’s research on AR and its effects on spatial awareness in first year engineering students. This paper follows this research and that of others in this field to report on the future impacts that these technologies can have as well as the reasons behind implementing them

Augmented Reality Application Assistant for Spatial Ability Training. HMD vs Computer Screen Use Study

AbstractThis work follows up the validation and usability study done over an augmented reality based application for the development of the spatial skills of engineering students. In this paper can be found all work done prior to its commercial launch for widespread use. In addition, a study will be done to find out the influence of the display device (computer screen or head-mounted display) in terms of spatial ability acquisition and improvement, as well as the time required in terms of using them

The Effect of Augmented Reality on Spatial Visualization Ability of Elementary School Student

The invention of Augmented Reality (AR) has provided a platform for individuals to see virtual and real objects simultaneously in a real-life setting. As compared to other technologies being implemented in education setting, it may contribute a new method to educate. This study investigated the possible effect of AR technology on students’ spatial visualization ability. AR-Science Magic Book Learning System (AR-SMB) is a learning tool based on the AR technology which was developed in this study to facilitate students in learning science concept, hence enhancing their spatial visualization ability. The type of data collection methodology used is the quantitative approach in which pre-test and post-test design were implemented and the participant comprised of 34 fifth-grade students. According to the results, it was found that the scores of the Mental Rotation Test (MRT) post-test were significantly greater than the pre-test, thus AR technology can be considered to be beneficial in enhancing students’ spatial visualization ability. There is a huge difference in terms of the scores of MRT between the pre-test and post-test which concludes that the treatment given can significantly improve and contribute towards their spatial visualization ability. The findings of this research enable the educators to incorporate AR learning into their teaching process in order for students to understand the rotation and transformation of objects that are related to each other. As a result, this study has shown a significant implication for the understanding of AR’s effect in enhancing spatial visualization ability among primary school students

Augmented reality to training spatial skills

La Laguna University has been offering courses for the development of spatial skills since 2004. Each year since that time spatial ability of engineering students has been measured before and after the courses to check progress after each training session. We have developed a spatial skills training course based on augmented reality and graphic engineering contents, and designed the AR_Dehaes tool, which is based on its own library the uses computer vision techniques for incorporating visual objects through fiducial markers in the real worldMartin-Gutierrez, J.; Contero, M.; Alcañiz Raya, ML. (2015). Augmented reality to training spatial skills. Procedia Computer Science. 77:33-39. doi:10.1016/j.procs.2015.12.356S33397

Using Computer-Aided Design Software and 3D Printers to Improve Spatial Visualization

Many articles have been published on the use of 3D printing technology. From prefabricated homes and outdoor structures to human organs, 3D printing technology has found a niche in many fields, but especially education. The education of technology and engineering students has come a long way from traditional instruction using hand drawings. Although drawings may still be a part of a students learning, computer technology has been embraced in this field for several years. With the introduction of AutoCAD technical drawing programs and now 3D printing, learners can use 3D printed models to develop their spatial abilities in technology and engineering curricula. Research suggests that although hand drawings are still a component of the learning process, newer technologies can now enhance a learner\u27s ability to increase spatial ability, particularly spatial visualization. According to Gardner, spatial intelligence is one of the basic human intelligences: the ability to perceive the visual-spatial world accurately and to perform transformations on those perceptions

A critical outlook at augmented reality and its adoption in education

Despite a significant volume of empirical research suggesting that augmented reality has a positive impact on student learning outcomes, it has not been widely adopted within education. This review critically analyses the literature to determine why this is the case. Our review methodology was based on the PRISMA strategy. A total of 169 papers were identified for use in this study and this group of papers was evaluated using content analysis. Specifically we analysed the research goals, motivation and the extent of the application of co–design in the research papers. We found that the research in this area is primarily student–centred, and a minority of papers apply co–design as a technique. This is significant because it is well understood that student–centred outcomes have the least effect on technology adoption within education. Based on these findings we make a series of recommendations including a shift away from research focused solely on learning outcomes and towards research which also considers how augmented reality integrates into the teaching environment