Improving academic performance and motivation in engineering education with augmented reality

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce a didactic book based on augmented reality technology (Augmented book) for learning standard mechanical elements in an enjoyable way. Using shareware Build-AR (free software for non-commercial use) scenes were created containing more than 150 standard mechanical elements as well as several machines in motion for analyzing its operations. This Augmented book was included in the curriculum of engineering graphics subject in the Mechanical Engineering Degree in University of La Laguna, Spain. Twenty-five students used this augmented book for studying representation and designation of standard mechanical elements. A control group composed by twenty-two students used traditional class notes with static images for studying the same contents. We have analyzed results through an evaluation test and a usability survey. Result shows that experimental group students enjoyed studying through the use of AR technology and even obtained better results in a contents evaluation test. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.