Augmented Reality
Instructional materials in science education almost always require lab experiments and observing parts of complex and often closed systems, such as the human anatomy, and small components invisible to the naked eye, such as atoms, microbes, and pathogens. Well-endowed colleges and learning centers often have the resources and tools for well-equipped laboratories; however, students in underfunded schools miss out on such rigorous instruction. In these schools, a lesson on pathogens consists of only two-dimensional images, which do not present a complete picture of the entire pathogen’s cell. Using AR has the potential to help students in low-income schools learn about pathogens in their own communities.
The target audience of this activity is a learner 18 and above. The learner should have a basic understanding of pathogens, microbes and organisms. The learner should also have a basic understanding of AR and how to use it. Finally, they should have experience with smartphones and tablets as each will have access to an AR-capable device.
There is a felt need among underfunded college undergraduate educators that students’ knowledge related to pathogens and environmental science is not satisfactory and need among students in these schools to have an immersive learning experience.
There are benefits in using 3D models and simulations via the augmented reality that can aid in the instruction and study of pathogens in multiple ways. These include 1. Manipulation of 3D models can allow for a more detailed analysis of the topic. 2. Realistic simulation of pathogens provides a more engaging experience, increasing learner motivation, and retention and 3. Physical models or representations of pathogens in other media can be expensive and less accessible to learners than AR.
At the end of this lesson, learners will:
The content of this lesson will be the following:
PathogenAR is an educational iOS application that projects a 3D model onto a flat surface which can be rotated, zoomed, and viewed from any angle.
The format of PathogenAR presentations is facilitated via short instructional slides. Each slide allows opportunities for the 3D model to animate or change form to illustrate new information.
Small or large student groups led by one facilitator with facilitator guiding students through the presentation while asking guiding questions. The PathogenAR (one iOS device per student or shared among student pairs) will be used. Additionally, a Google Form will be adopted for the pre-test and verbal responses from students will required during the presentation.
- Before beginning the presentation, the student group will be administered a brief pre-test via Canvas or Google Forms to gauge prior knowledge of pathogens and introduce key terms that will be introduced throughout the lesson.
- During the presentation, the group of learners will only advance through slides when instructed. This will ensure that the facilitator has a chance to pause and ask students to make predictions based on what they have learned so far
Mid-presentation verbal check-ins will be used to gauge student understanding of the topic. The facilitator will ask students to make predictions based on what they have learned so far. This will allow the facilitator to gauge student understanding and adjust the presentation accordingly.
Pre/Post-Test and Canvas Quiz
I will test the difference between the pre and post-test to gauge the level of change in performance. I will also request that students fill out an anonymous service on their level of comfortability and level of mastery of the topic to gauge the instructional impact of AR-based learning.