Enabling spatial thinking through an augmented reality for teaching crystal structure

ABSTRACT

The crystal structure is an important topic in the STEM field and the basic knowledge to determine the material structure and its behaviour. There is a wealth of literature on three-dimensional (3D) and augmented reality (AR) technology to represent 3D crystal environments to provide a new way of visualisation and to foster spatial skills. This article aimed to develop and evaluate an AR system for teaching Bravais Crystals in Natural Science, especially the potential of AR as an innovative teaching tool to encourage spatial skills. The users were satisfied with the AR system (Mean = 4.3, SD = 0.49) to learn spatial representation techniques in a cooperative learning environment. The AR system provided excitement and motivation and was attractive and flexible while allowing the students to engage in independent learning.

KEYWORDS:

• Augmented reality
• student perception
• spatial thinking
• instructional design

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

https://doi.org/10.17605/osf.io/ga3bm

Notes

1. AR application available on PlayStore http://play.google.com/store/search?q=bravais

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Dadan Sumardani

Dadan Sumardani is an Educator and Researcher specialization in Science and Physics. He is interested in conducting research on learning activities for Science Learning, builds an Instructional Design (e.g. AR/VR, & E-Learning), and investigates the Educational Technology. http://www.dadansumardani.com/

Elly Ramadhani Sipayung

Elly Ramadhani Sipayung is a doctoral student with a wide range of interests including Chinese philosophy, philosophy for children (P4C), and acculturative stress and psychological wellbeing. She aspires to be a children and young people’s wellbeing practitioner.

Po-Sheng Chiu

Po-Sheng Chiu is currently an assistant professor of the Department of E-learning Design and Management, National Chiayi University, Taiwan. His research interests include Educational Technology, Mobile Learning, Ubiquitous Learning, Assistive technology, Computer Technology in Special Education and Evaluation Method. https://sites.google.com/site/pschiu945/home