A systematic review of augmented reality in chemistry education

Abstract

Augmented reality (AR) technology is increasingly present in chemistry teaching and learning processes. It is seen as an important pedagogical resource that allows enhancing the understanding of complex concepts at most educational levels. However, even though numerous benefits related to AR in education have been reported, no systematic review has been conducted specifically addressing the use of this technology in chemistry education. Thus, a systematic literature review was carried out in order to grasp the particularities of this scenario, such as those related to the main topics in chemistry in which AR is used, the most frequently used devices and the main advantages and challenges of this technology. Forty‐nine papers were analysed, recovered from five databases, between the years 2011 and 2020. Among the results, an increase in publications was identified in the last three years, with smartphones and tablets being the predominant devices. Molecular structures were the topic of chemistry to which AR has been most frequently applied for teaching and learning, and the advantages of using this technology were concentrated in the affective learning domain. Regarding the challenges identified, they were related to students’ difficulty of use, distraction and technical problems. The research conclusions also address gaps in research and present suggestions and directions for future work.

Preschool Education Based on Computer Information Technology Literacy and Big Data

“…The argument in early childhood settings has recently changed from whether or not to use technology to how to utilize it and how it affects children's learning and development [26]. Determining the proper level of technology integration into pedagogical practice and curriculum design is a challenge for educators and policymakers in early childhood settings.…”

Trendbericht: Chemiedidaktik 2022

“…In einem Review zu den Effekten AR-gestützten Lernens im Fach Chemie fassen die Autor:innen zusammen, welche Möglichkeiten und Schwierigkeiten mit der AR-Nutzung verbunden sind und für welche Themengebiete der Chemie sie untersucht wird. 44) Wenig überraschend werden mehrheitlich Themen adressiert, in denen Räumlichkeit darzustellen ist. So nutzten die meisten der untersuchten Studien AR dazu, Molekülstrukturen, chemische Reaktionsmechanismen und chemische Bindungen zu vermitteln.…”

Step by Step to Make Augmented Reality Filters for Molecular Models

“…Increasingly, augmented reality has been used to represent structures in 3D. − AR can contribute to the understanding of content and help in solving problems . The review by Mazzuco et al about AR chemistry teaching highlights that “Most of [the advantages of using AR] were linked to the Affective domain. Nevertheless, the advantage related to the ease of learning, belonging to the Cognitive domain, was the most cited factor”.…”