Enhancing Introductory Physics with Augmented Reality Simulations

这个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。大型大学的物理入门课程通常每学期为数百名学生提供服务。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可视化。此外，许多教师仍然依赖讲座形式，而不是探究式教学，后者更直接地吸引学生。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。学生们将能够操纵这些物理物体的模拟，同时手中拿着一个充当模拟控制器的“立方体”。AR技术在教育领域相对较新，它有望将传统的演讲式教室转变为动态的学习环境，学生只使用他们的智能手机和一个打印出来的立方体。研究人员将探索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。该项目团队将开发六个AR模拟，涵盖与力、旋转运动、光学、电路、热力学和磁学相关的关键主题。除了模拟，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探究性科学学习环境(ISLE)方法纳入新工具。然后，他们将尝试确定对学生和教师都有什么好处(如果有)。该团队将探讨如下教育研究问题：(1)当AR模拟被纳入物理教学中时，它们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吗？(2)模拟对学生的概念理解有什么影响？(3)模拟对学生的成绩有什么影响？(4)AR有哪些特定方面对物理学生有利？(5)AR体验是否促进了学生对物理的额外兴趣？(6)教师如何感知和使用模拟？(他们觉得它们对指导有用吗？他们是否感觉到学生对内容的兴趣有所增加？他们是否感觉到学生对材料的理解有所增加？教师需要哪些支持才能成功实施？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STEM教育对所有学生的有效性。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 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.