Use of augmented reality (AR) to aid bioscience education and enrich student experience

Abstract

In recent years, development of new technologies designed to enhance user experience have accelerated, often being used in modern media such as in films and games. Specifically, immersive experiences, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), have redefined how digital media can be delivered, encouraging us to interact with and explore our environment. Reciprocally, as the power of these technologies has advanced, the associated costs to implement them have decreased, making them more cost-effective and feasible to deliver in a variety of settings. Despite the cost reduction, several issues remain with accessibility due to the knowledge base required to generate, optimise and deliver three-dimensional (3D)-digital content in both AR and VR. Here, we sought to integrate an AR-based experience into a level-4 biochemistry module in order to support the delivery of university lectures on protein structure and function. Traditionally, this topic would comprise two-dimensional still images of complex 3D structures. By combining a breadth of subject-specific and technological expertise from across the university, we developed an AR-enhanced learning experience hosted on the Zapworks AR platform. AR enabled full illustration of the complexity of these 3D structures, while promoting collaboration through a shared user experience. Assessing the impact of the AR experience via a formative test and survey revealed that despite only a modest increase in test performance, students overwhelmingly reported positively on the engaging nature and interactivity of AR. Critically, expanding our repertoire of content delivery formats will support the forward-thinking blended learning environments adopted across the higher education sector.

Challenges and Opportunities for Using Immersive Technology: A Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness of Cross-Country Studies

“…This study also supports previous studies that state that integrating AR in educational environments helps improve students' academic achievement in collaborative learning environments and increases their retention and ability to translate it into other environments [13]- [15]. The analytical results also prove the superiority of the experimental group in general, not only in terms of cognitive but also in terms of student motivation (e.g., [46], [47]), cognitive development [48], student collaboration [49], and their learning experiences [50], [51]. Thus, these results support previous theoretical assumptions that immersive augmented reality technology can improve the quality of education [11], [47].…”

Reimagining the role of technology in higher education: the new normal and learners’ likes

“…At the same time, Mayhew (2020) points out that the effective use of Mentimeter (in a live setting) is dependent on the skills of the lecturer and her/his ability to encourage participation, respond to answers and manage the noise resulting from the excitement it generates. Studies focusing on similar platforms, such as Padlet and Zapworks, also report positive results: Padlet was received favourably by 100% of dentistry students and 80% of biomedicine students (Mehta et al 2021); Zapworks was seen by 80% of students as helpful in understanding the material covered in lectures (Reeves et al 2021).…”

Practical approaches to delivering pandemic impacted laboratory teaching

“…The creation of four AR protein structures to help students visualise key concepts from lectures. Created using Zapworks by exporting crystal structure of proteins from Pymol (Lab Science Resources, 2022; Reeves et al, 2021).…”