Using Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality to Enhance Learning in Electromagnetics

该项目旨在通过提高学生对电和磁的理解来服务于国家利益，这是物理和工程中的关键概念。电磁学（或电磁学）（EM）是对电磁现象的研究，是科学研究和现代技术的核心，如量子计算，手机，电动汽车，水力和风力发电机以及电网。EM是物理和电气工程课程的基础主题，通常构成所有学生的必修课。然而，EM对学生提出了一些挑战。首先，它涉及经典力学中看不到的或日常生活中遇到的力和动力学。第二，它严重依赖于向量分析，学生们通常会花20%的时间来学习向量分析（旋度，发散等）。以及球坐标和柱坐标（以及这些坐标中的微积分）。该主题的非直观性质，沿着对不熟悉的数学分析的关注，会阻碍学生在EM基础课程后发展自我效能。在这个项目中，项目团队将开发一系列的增强现实（AR）和虚拟现实（VR）教育模块（工作室），旨在大大提高学生在EM课程中对概念知识的学习和应用。通过创建一个增强和虚拟的环境，学生可以以自然的方式进行互动，与基于学习成果的课程相结合，研究者打算改变EM学生的教育经历。将开发的AR/VR模拟将学生置于增强或虚拟环境中，允许他们通过在环境中移动（步行或移动手臂/手）进行交互，并允许他们通过智能手机或平板电脑上的可视化看到效果。通过使用可视化的能力，同时在增强或虚拟空间中物理移动，学生可以更自然地探索3D中的现象和关系。工作室将涵盖与大多数EM课程一致的主题，并从基本概念（如“什么是一个领域？“到高级主题，如定义和理解边界条件及其对不同材料场的影响。该项目团队将在课程中对AR/VR工作室进行实地测试，并通过认知实验室和评估来衡量其功效。他们还将提供研讨会，并创建一个在线门户网站，以传播应用软件和将工作室纳入EM课程的指南。NSF IUSE：EHR计划支持研究和开发项目，以提高所有学生STEM教育的有效性。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

This project aims to serve the national interest by improving students' understanding of electricity and magnetism, which are key concepts in physics and engineering. Electromagnetics (or electromagnetism) (EM), the study of electrical and magnetic phenomena, is central to scientific research and modern technologies, such as quantum computing, cellular phones, electric cars, hydro and wind generators, and the electric power grid. EM is a fundamental topic in physics and electrical engineering curricula, where it usually constitutes a required course for all students. However, EM presents several challenges for students. First, it involves forces and dynamics that are not seen in classical mechanics or encountered in everyday life. Second, it relies heavily on vector analysis, and students often spend up to 20 percent of the semester just learning vector analysis (curl, divergence, etc.) and spherical and cylindrical coordinates (and calculus in those coordinates). The unintuitive nature of the topic, along with the focus on unfamiliar mathematical analysis, can hinder students from developing self-efficacy after a foundational course in EM. In this project, the project team will develop a curated series of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) educational modules (studios) designed to significantly enhance the learning and application of conceptual knowledge for students in EM courses.By creating an augmented and virtual environment in which students can interact in a natural manner, integrated with a curriculum based around learning outcomes, the investigator intends to transform the educational experience of students in EM. The AR/VR simulations to be developed will place students in an augmented or virtual environment, allow them to interact by moving (walking or moving arms/hands) in the environment, and allow them to see the effects through visualization on a smartphone or tablet. By using the ability to visualize while at the same time physically move in an augmented or virtual space, students can more naturally explore phenomena and relationships in 3D. The studios will cover topics that align with most EM curricula and build from basic concepts such as "What is a field?" to advanced topics such as defining and understanding the boundary conditions and their effect on fields in different materials. The project team will field-test the AR/VR studios in courses and measure their efficacy through cognitive labs and assessments. They will also offer workshops and create an online portal to disseminate the application software and a guide for integrating the studios into EM courses. The NSF IUSE: EHR Program supports research and development projects to improve the effectiveness of STEM education for all students. Through the Engaged Student Learning track, the program supports the creation, exploration, and implementation of promising practices and tools.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.