Enhancing Introductory Physics with Augmented Reality Simulations

本项目旨在通过提高学生对物理学入门概念的理解来服务于国家利益。大型大学的物理导论课程每学期往往有数百名学生参加。物理学的挑战之一是，即使有演示和实验室经验，许多概念仍然很难让学生想象。此外，许多教师仍然依赖于讲座形式，而不是基于探究的教学法，这种教学法更直接地吸引学生。在这个项目中，研究人员将为普通物理课程开发多个增强现实（AR）模拟。学生将能够操纵这些物理对象的模拟，同时在他们的手中拿着一个“立方体”，作为模拟的控制器。AR技术在教育领域相对较新，有望将20至200多名学生的传统讲座式教室转变为动态学习环境，学生只需使用智能手机和“打印出来的”立方体。研究人员将探讨新的模拟和增强的学习环境对学生理解相关物理概念的影响。项目团队将开发六个AR模拟，涵盖与力、旋转运动、光学、电路、热力学和磁性相关的关键主题。除了模拟之外，该团队还将开发视频教程，帮助教师在课堂上使用这些工具。特别是，他们将鼓励教师使用研究性科学学习环境（ISLE）方法纳入新的工具。然后，他们将尝试确定对学生和教师都有什么好处，如果有的话。该团队将探讨以下教育研究问题：(1)当AR模拟被纳入物理教学时，它们是否是支持教师采用经过验证的、基于研究的教学策略的有效工具？(2)模拟对学生概念理解的影响是什么？(3)模拟对学生成绩的影响是什么？(4) AR有哪些具体方面对物理专业的学生有益？(5)增强现实体验是否促进了人们对物理的额外兴趣？(6)教师如何感知和使用模拟？(他们觉得它们对教学有用吗？他们是否察觉到学生对内容的兴趣增加了？他们是否察觉到学生对材料的理解有所提高？教师需要什么支持才能成功实施？他们会继续使用模拟吗？)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。通过参与学生学习轨道，该计划支持有前途的实践和工具的创建，探索和实施。该奖项反映了美国国家科学基金会的法定使命，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 concepts in introductory physics. Introductory physics courses at large universities often serve hundreds of students every semester. One of the challenges in physics is that even with demonstrations and lab experiences, many concepts remain difficult for students to visualize. In addition, many instructors still rely on the lecture format instead of inquiry-based pedagogy, which more directly engages students. In this project, the investigators will develop multiple Augmented Reality (AR) simulations for general physics classes. Students will be able to manipulate these simulations of physical objects while holding in their hands a "cube" that acts as a controller for the simulations. The AR technology, which is relatively new in education, offers the promise of turning traditional lecture-style classrooms of 20 to 200+ students into dynamic learning environments, with students using only their smartphones and a "printed-out" cube. The investigators will explore the effects of the new simulations and the enhanced learning environment on students' understanding of the associated physics concepts.The project team will develop six AR simulations covering key topics associated with forces, rotational motion, optics, circuits, thermodynamics, and magnetism. Along with the simulations, the team will develop video tutorials to help instructors use the tools in their classrooms. In particular, they will encourage instructors to incorporate the new tools using an Investigative Science Learning Environment (ISLE) approach. Then they will attempt to determine what benefits, if any, are achieved, both for the students and for the instructors. The team will explore education research questions such as the following:(1) When AR simulations are incorporated into physics instruction, are they an effective tool to support instructors in adopting proven, research-based pedagogical strategies?(2) What are the effects of the simulations on students' conceptual understanding?(3) What are the effects of the simulations on students' achievement?(4) Are there specific aspects of AR that are beneficial to the physics students?(5) Do the AR experiences promote any additional interest in physics?(6) How do instructors perceive and use the simulations? (Do they find them useful for instruction? Do they perceive increased student interest in the content? Do they perceive increased student understanding of the material? What supports do instructors need for successful implementation? Will they continue to use the simulations?)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.