Developing and Usability Testing of an Augmented Reality Tool for Online Engineering Education

This article introduces the development process of social presence-enabled augmented reality (SPEAR) tool, an innovative augmented reality (AR) based learning application tailored for online engineering education. SPEAR focuses on a learning module of structural beam-bending, empowering users to seamlessly integrate 3-D virtual beams into their real-world environment, using the AR Foundation framework within the Unity game engine. Learners can explore structural mechanics by manipulating loads and positions. SPEAR leverages a custom C# script based on the finite element method to offer a real-time simulation of beam deformation, accompanied by visualizations of the moment/shear diagrams and bending stresses. In addition, the integration of a cloud-based voice chat feature, photon unity networking 2, enhances social presence, fostering collaborative learning. Usability testing conducted with extended reality developers and structural engineers, utilizing the system usability scale, confirmed SPEAR's user-friendliness and intuitive interface. Results indicate high levels of participant satisfaction, validating its design and functionality. This study contributes to the field by highlighting SPEAR's pedagogical potential to enhance online engineering education through immersive AR experiences and social interaction. It offers a promising avenue for improving student engagement, comprehension, and performance. In addition, SPEAR facilitates future research into new learning theories and materials design strategies. Its versatility makes it a valuable tool for innovative online education approaches, potentially revolutionizing the learning experiences for students worldwide.