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，这两个概念是物理和工程学中的关键概念。电磁学(或称电磁学)研究电磁现象，是科学研究和现代技术的核心，如量子计算、手机、电动汽车、水电和风力发电机以及电网。EM是物理和电气工程课程中的一门基础课程，通常是所有学生的必修课。然而，新兴市场给学生带来了几个挑战。首先，它涉及在经典力学中看不到或在日常生活中遇到的力和动力学。其次，它严重依赖于向量分析，学生通常花费高达20%的学期时间来学习向量分析(旋度、散度等)。以及球面和柱面坐标(以及这些坐标中的微积分)。这一主题的非直觉性，加上对陌生数学分析的关注，可能会阻碍学生在EM基础课程结束后发展自我效能感。在这个项目中，项目团队将开发一系列经过策划的增强现实(AR)和虚拟现实(VR)教育模块(工作室)，旨在显著增强学生在EM课程中学习和应用概念知识的能力。通过创建一个增强的虚拟环境，使学生可以在其中以自然方式互动，并与基于学习结果的课程相结合，调查者打算改变EM学生的教育体验。即将开发的AR/VR模拟将把学生置于增强或虚拟环境中，允许他们通过在环境中移动(行走或移动手臂/手)进行互动，并允许他们通过在智能手机或平板电脑上可视化来查看效果。通过使用可视化的能力，同时在增强的或虚拟的空间中物理移动，学生可以更自然地在3D中探索现象和关系。这些工作室将涵盖与大多数新兴市场课程相一致的主题，并以基本概念为基础，如“什么是领域？”到高级主题，如定义和理解边界条件及其对不同材料中的场的影响。项目团队将在课程中对AR/VR工作室进行现场测试，并通过认知实验室和评估来衡量它们的效果。他们还将举办研讨会，并创建一个在线门户网站，以传播应用软件和将工作室整合到EM课程中的指南。NSF IUSE：EHR计划支持研究和开发项目，以提高所有学生的STEM教育的有效性。通过参与的学生学习路径，该计划支持有前景的实践和工具的创建、探索和实施。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势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.