Fostering Motivation toward Chemistry through Augmented Reality Educational Escape Activities. A Self-Determination Theory Approach

Abstract

There is little doubt that motivation influences the extent to which individuals engage with online learning experiences. With the increasing role of digital technologies within chemistry higher education, this study illustrates how an augmented reality (AR)-supported educational escape activity (EEA), based on topics of inorganic stereochemistry, can be employed within an online environment. The design aspects of our activity were guided by principles of Self-Determination Theory (SDT)�an intrinsic-extrinsic theory of motivation. We sought to actively support the fundamental needs of competency, autonomy, and relatedness. Our control group was provided with a copy of our EEA that utilized two-dimensional drawings. Reported measures of competency were seen as a positive predictor of intrinsic motivation. However, in this study, this was not observed to be a positive predictor of academic performance. The introduction of AR, over and above the EEA, did not result in any significant differences in reported intrinsic motivation or post-test scores on our stereochemistry test instrument. Collected qualitative data suggest that participants found the activity to be useful and engaging. Through students' discussions, we have provided evidence of how design aspects of the EEA support the psychological needs satisfaction outlined by SDT. The design of our EEA provides one approach to implementing this style of learning activity, in a way that supports virtual presence and is scalable to large student cohorts.

MatAR: dynamic augmented reality platform for accessible molecular visualization

“…Further research is warranted to explore the potential of AR-embedded EEAs to effectively support motivation and learning in digital education environments while addressing these research gaps. 20 Reaxys 21 is a powerful research tool designed to support the teaching of chemistry in higher education. It offers a comprehensive and user-friendly chemistry database that encompasses literature, properties, reactions, and experimental facts, empowering students to enhance their practical and research skills.…”

“…The Vuforia Engine Developer Portal serves as an essential hub for developers looking to build AR experiences using the Vuforia Engine platform. 37 20 Target images have been defined for MatAR on Vuforial cloud database. (please refer to Fig.…”

“…Further research is warranted to explore the potential of AR-embedded EEAs to effectively support motivation and learning in digital education environments while addressing these research gaps. 20…”

Chem’Sc@pe: an Organic Chemistry Learning Digital Escape Game

“…Among innovative pedagogical methods, gamification, or the incorporation of game mechanics in learning situations, provides strategies to increase students’ motivation and desire to study and to develop further their adaptability and responsiveness skills while enjoying themselves. , Many approaches in chemical education have been reported in the past decade, such as card games, , board games, and various in-person games, − digital games that can played on a smartphone, tablet or computer, − and escape games. − In France, escape rooms from which players get out by solving puzzles and finding hidden items in a limited amount of time are very popular and their number has increased 10-fold since 2013 . The use of thematic escape games in education has been shown to increase engagement and pleasure in the learning process, in a cooperative and collaborative fashion. ,− ,− ,− Several types of chemistry-based escape games have been reported in the literature. For example, chemical escape rooms (ChEsRms) are immersive games, − , which are particularly relevant for laboratory experiments. − …”

A Murder Mystery Gamification Session to Consolidate Analytical Biochemical Techniques Learning

“…Many researchers have developed games for chemical and biochemical education. Examples include card games to aid memorization, − quiz games, , board games with chemical challenges, − escape rooms, − narrative games, , murder mysteries, , and the use of ChemDraw as a game . Game writing has been used as an educational tool, while Lego and Lego Serious Play have been used to teach scientific concepts.…”