Augmented Reality Plant & Animal Cells: Design and Evaluation of an Educational Augmented Reality Application

In this paper, we present a usability evaluation of a custom AR educational tool designed to improve students’ understanding of the similarities and differences between plant and animal cells. We argue that the design of the Augmented Reality Plant & Animal Cells (ARPAC) tool promotes a self-driven approach to learning by presenting textbook content as interactive, 3D models that can be uncovered by exploring sections of their school textbooks with our app. Furthermore, the design of ARPAC can be mapped easily onto other subjects, providing teachers with additional pedagogical tools to utilize in the classroom. Preliminary results of a usability study support our initial design of a textbook-driven AR application to support learning in science subjects.

Journal for Virtual World Research