Teacher Education

Interacting with Three-Dimensional Molecular Structures Using an Augmented Reality Mobile App

“…Extended reality (XR) consisting of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) has been a much-discussed topic in recent years. − With the rapid development of technology in the past decade, it is no surprise that XR technologies have found their way into many of the major industries impacting global societies. , One sector in which many countries continually seek to develop is education. − With the rising demand for higher education from employers worldwide, creative educators and newly developed education techniques have also been increasingly sought after. − Scientific subjects like physics and chemistry are well-known for including concepts involving not only sophisticated mathematical calculations, but also the visualization of spatial elements. , Given that most lessons and examinations in schools and universities convey these concepts via a 2D medium (i.e., pen and paper, computer screens), − it is understandable that educators may find it difficult to properly teach concepts requiring spatial visualization, let alone to assess the students’ understanding of them. Considering these difficulties faced by students in their learning process, there thus seems to be a need for a 3D medium in higher chemistry education, a need which XR technology has the potential to fill. − …”