On the Development of a Personalized Augmented Reality Spatial Ability Training Mobile Application

Abstract

Augmented Reality has been integrated in educational settings in the field of engineering. Prior research has examined the learning outcomes and the pedagogical affordances of this technology. However, training undergraduate engineers, from diverse knowledge level, requires customized training approach, tailored to the individual learning pace. In this paper, we present PARSAT (Personalized Augmented Reality Spatial Ability Training), which is a mobile Augmented Reality application for the enhancement of students’ spatial visualization skills. The application takes into account the theoretical contents of engineering design, deployed through video tutorials, and student-computer interaction with 3D objects. Students interpret different views of a 3D object, which are represented on their mobile screen. PARSAT efficaciously strengthens students’ recognition of spatial structures and views, adjusted to the fulfillment of their personal needs. In terms of personalization, PARSAT consists of different levels, which do not follow a linear flow, as each student takes part in a different sequence of activities, according to their time spent in the 3D object manipulation, and their assessment scores at the end of each level. Furthermore, an agent is used to analyze students’ knowledge level, and send them feedback. The system reduces unnecessary cognitive load and, at the same time, improves students learning experience in learning engineering drawing.