Learning Molecular Structures in a Tangible Augmented Reality Environment

Abstract

This article presents the characteristics of using a tangible tabletop environment produced by augmented reality (AR), aimed at improving the environment in which learners observe three-dimensional molecular structures. The authors perform two evaluation experiments. A performance test for a user interface demonstrates that learners with a tangible AR environment were able to complete the task of identifying molecular structures more quickly and accurately than those with a typical desktop-PC environment using a Web browser. A usability test by participants who learned molecular structures and answered relevant questions demonstrates that the environments had no effect on their learning of molecular structures. However, a preference test reveals that learners preferred a more tangible AR environment to a Web-browser environment in terms of overall enjoyment, reality of manipulation, and sense of presence, and vice versa in terms of ease of viewing, experience, and durability.

Multisensory Augmented Reality in Cultural Heritage: Impact of Different Stimuli on Presence, Enjoyment, Knowledge and Value of the Experience

“…[6], [14], [17], [38]), a fact also highlighted by [34]. In addition, few explorations have been made using AR as visual technology instead of VR across multisensory implementations, even if the literature presents AR as a technology that can be preferable when compared to some virtual reality solutions [39]. No information was found regarding end-users' evaluations when using AR and multisensory approaches [3], [9], [10].…”