Using AR to Enhance the Learning of Chirality

This study investigates the use of Augmented Reality (AR) to teach the concept of chirality—a fundamental topic in organic chemistry. Building on Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) and previous research on AR’s educational benefits, we designed an AR learning environment to facilitate students’ understandi...

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Main Authors: Martin Bullock, Johannes Huwer
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-11-01
Series:Education Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/14/11/1214
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author Martin Bullock
Johannes Huwer
author_facet Martin Bullock
Johannes Huwer
author_sort Martin Bullock
collection DOAJ
description This study investigates the use of Augmented Reality (AR) to teach the concept of chirality—a fundamental topic in organic chemistry. Building on Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) and previous research on AR’s educational benefits, we designed an AR learning environment to facilitate students’ understanding of chirality by allowing them to interact with and superimpose virtual and physical models of chiral molecules. An initial pilot study involving 11th-grade students revealed positive student attitudes towards AR, with participants reporting enhanced comprehension of chirality and a preference for AR-based learning over traditional methods. The follow-up study refined the AR lesson based on pilot feedback, extending its scope to introduce, rather than review, the concept of chirality. Results indicated significant learning gains, low extraneous cognitive load, and high acceptance of AR technology among students. These findings underscore the potential of AR to support complex spatial learning in chemistry, though further research, such as value-added studies, is recommended to explore the generalizability and long-term impacts of AR on different student populations.
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spelling doaj-art-566357c9f59f4f988aefaa12cc4a50de2024-11-26T18:01:22ZengMDPI AGEducation Sciences2227-71022024-11-011411121410.3390/educsci14111214Using AR to Enhance the Learning of ChiralityMartin Bullock0Johannes Huwer1Science Education, University of Konstanz, 78464 Konstanz, GermanyScience Education, University of Konstanz, 78464 Konstanz, GermanyThis study investigates the use of Augmented Reality (AR) to teach the concept of chirality—a fundamental topic in organic chemistry. Building on Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) and previous research on AR’s educational benefits, we designed an AR learning environment to facilitate students’ understanding of chirality by allowing them to interact with and superimpose virtual and physical models of chiral molecules. An initial pilot study involving 11th-grade students revealed positive student attitudes towards AR, with participants reporting enhanced comprehension of chirality and a preference for AR-based learning over traditional methods. The follow-up study refined the AR lesson based on pilot feedback, extending its scope to introduce, rather than review, the concept of chirality. Results indicated significant learning gains, low extraneous cognitive load, and high acceptance of AR technology among students. These findings underscore the potential of AR to support complex spatial learning in chemistry, though further research, such as value-added studies, is recommended to explore the generalizability and long-term impacts of AR on different student populations.https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/14/11/1214AReducation technologyorganic chemistrychirality
spellingShingle Martin Bullock
Johannes Huwer
Using AR to Enhance the Learning of Chirality
Education Sciences
AR
education technology
organic chemistry
chirality
title Using AR to Enhance the Learning of Chirality
title_full Using AR to Enhance the Learning of Chirality
title_fullStr Using AR to Enhance the Learning of Chirality
title_full_unstemmed Using AR to Enhance the Learning of Chirality
title_short Using AR to Enhance the Learning of Chirality
title_sort using ar to enhance the learning of chirality
topic AR
education technology
organic chemistry
chirality
url https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/14/11/1214
work_keys_str_mv AT martinbullock usingartoenhancethelearningofchirality
AT johanneshuwer usingartoenhancethelearningofchirality