Research Initiation: Developing Spatial Visualization and Understanding of Complex Systems via Interactive Mixed Reality Modules

空间可视化是一种在心理上操纵二维和三维物体的能力，因此是工程技术专业学生的一项基本技能。研究表明，空间视觉技能差的学生会感到气馁，因为他们无法完成同事认为容易完成的任务。因此，缺乏空间可视化技能可能会对学生的表现产生负面影响。这些学生可能会将他们的专业切换到对空间视觉能力要求不高的学科。这个Ref项目将利用可接口的混合现实(MR)模块来发展学生的空间可视化技能。MR模块将被纳入本科流体动力课程，以发展学生的认知空间思维，从而加强他们解决问题的能力。这项研究展示了一种基于数字化的技术来发展工程技术专业学生的空间可视化。这项研究将检验将最先进的磁共振技术整合到高级工程技术课程中的效果。互动MR模块将作为一种教学工具来学习和提高学生的视觉化技能。拟议的研究将产生更广泛的影响，在不同方面造福社会，包括(1)发展日常生活情景中所需的空间可视化技能，(2)推进STEM教学和研究的基础设施，以及(3)通过实施交互式视觉表征来进步发现和促进学习。利用这种MR复杂系统来演示工程概念将使学生能够学习、实践和熟悉基于数字化的技术。Ref项目还将开发一种工具，用于在工程技术课程中测量学生对MR技术的态度。研究成果将作为对STEM教育中的MR、空间可视化和新教学方法感兴趣的学术界的参考。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。

Spatial visualization is the ability to mentally maneuver two- and three-dimensional objects, and thus is an essential skill for engineering technology students. Research shows that students with poor spatial-visual skills feel discouraged because they cannot complete tasks that seem easy to their colleagues. Consequently, the lack of spatial visualization skills may negatively impact students' performance. These students may switch their majors to disciplines that do not require high spatial-visual abilities. This RIEF project will develop students' spatial visualization skills utilizing interfaceable Mixed Reality (MR) modules. The MR modules will be incorporated into undergraduate fluid power courses to develop students' cognitive spatial thinking and thus reinforce their problem-solving skills. This research demonstrates a digitized-based technique to develop spatial visualization in engineering technology students. The research will examine the efficacy of integrating state-of-the-art MR technology into advanced engineering technology courses. Interactive MR modules will be employed as a pedagogical tool to study and enhance students' visualization skills. The proposed research will have a broader influence that benefits society in different aspects, including (1) developing spatial visualization skills that are needed in everyday life situations, (2) advancing the infrastructure of STEM instruction and research, and (3) progressing discovery and promoting learning through the implementation of interactive visual representations. Utilizing such MR complex systems for demonstrating engineering concepts will allow students to learn, practice, and become familiar with digitized-based technology. This RIEF project will also develop an instrument to measure students' attitudes towards MR technology in engineering technology courses. The research outcomes will serve as a reference for the academic community interested in MR, spatial visualization, and new teaching methodologies in STEM education.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.