Augmented reality as a didactic resource for teaching mathematics

Abstract

This paper is an example of how to use new technologies to produce didactic innovative resources that ease the teaching and learning process of mathematics. This paper is focused on augmented reality technology with the aim of achieving the creation of didactic resources related to the polyhedra taught in a course of compulsory secondary education in Spain. First, we introduce the basis of this technology and present the theoretical framework in which we make an exhaustive analysis that justifies its usage with educative purposes. Secondly, we explain how to build the polyhedra in augmented reality using the Unity game engine and the Vuforia software development kit (SDK), which enables the use of augmented reality. Using both tools, we create an augmented reality application and some augmented reality notes with the purpose of helping in the process of visualization and comprehension of the three-dimensional geometry related to polyhedra. Finally, we design an innovative, didactic proposal for teaching the polyhedra in the third course of compulsory Secondary Education in Spain, using the resources created with the augmented reality technology.