ColabAR: A Toolkit for Remote Collaboration in Tangible Augmented Reality Laboratories

Abstract

Current times are accelerating new technologies to provide high-quality education for remote collaboration, as well as hands-on learning. This is particularly important in the case of laboratory-based classes, which play an essential role in STEM education. In this paper, we introduce ColabAR, a toolkit that uses physical proxies to manipulate virtual objects in Tangible Augmented Reality (TAR) laboratories. ColabAR introduces haptic-based customizable interaction techniques to promote remote collaboration between students. Our toolkit provides hardware and software that enable haptic feedback to improve user experience and promote collaboration during learning. Also, we present the architecture of our cloud platform for haptic interaction that supports information sharing between students in a TAR laboratory. We performed two user studies (N=40) to test the effect of our toolkit in enriching local and remote collaborative experiences. Finally, we demonstrated that our TAR laboratory enables students' performance (i.e., lab completion rate, lab scores) to be similar to their performance in an in-person laboratory.

Systematic Literature Review on Augmented Reality with Persuasive System Design: Application and Design in Education and Learning

“…et al [24] None 8 Cai S. et al [25] Simulation, feedback 9 Villanueva A. [26] Feedback, reminder 10 Martin-Gomez A. et al [27] Motivation, reward 11 Schnürer R. et al [28] None 12 Hertel J. et al [29] None 13 Ishihara M. et al [30] None 14 Im H. et al [31] Social Role, reduction, rewards 15 Song E. et al [32] Rewards, motivation 16 Subandi et al [33] Simulation 17 Nguyen P. et al [34] Simulation 18 Sholikhah,B.U. et al [35] None 19 Ariffin N.H.M.…”

“…They allow students to collaborate on shared augmented worlds in real time, promoting communication and teamwork skills. ColabAR is a toolset that Villanueva A. et al [26] introduced; it allows users to manipulate virtual items in Tangible Augmented Reality (TAR) labs via physical proxies. To encourage student remote cooperation, ColabAR offers configurable, haptic-based interaction options.…”

Touch to Learn: A Review of Haptic Technology's Impact on Skill Development and Enhancing Learning Abilities for Children

“…Previous research shows ample evidence to highlight the importance of kinesthetic learning techniques in elementary school curricula and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. [18,19] The potential for enhancing learning abilities through tangible tools applies to various educational/training scenarios. For instance, students can use conventional objects to be manipulated, such as counting beans to grasp basic counting and math concepts in elementary school [5] or employ physical mannequins to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation within first-aid training.…”

“…Previous research shows ample evidence to highlight the importance of kinesthetic learning techniques in elementary school curricula and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. [ 18,19 ]…”