Skip to main content

Virtual and Augmented Reality in Science Teaching and Learning

  • Conference paper
  • First Online:
The Impact of the 4th Industrial Revolution on Engineering Education (ICL 2019)

Part of the book series: Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing ((AISC,volume 1134))

Included in the following conference series:

Abstract

The present research investigates the state-of-the-art concerning virtual and augmented reality lab environments, in science teaching and learning. Both environments are suggested as most appropriate for science education. The study explores the extent to which research has progressed concerning these new tools, while focusing on the extent to which actual educational trials in science classrooms have been completed. To this effect, 19 research papers were identified and reviewed. Conclusions are drawn as regards the effectiveness of these two lab environment types as a function of the age of students, today. The creation of educational VR and AR that resembles reality so closely that it is hard to differentiate between virtual, augmented, and real, thus creating a unified continuum, seems to finally be within our grasp, yet further research is needed as to their optimum use.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Tsihouridis, Ch., Batsila, M., Vavougios, D., Ioannidis, G.S.: The timeless controversy between virtual and real laboratories in science education-“And the winner is…”. In: Auer, M.E., Guralnick, D., Simonics, I. (eds.) Teaching and Learning in a Digital World. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, vol. 2, pp. 1539–1550. Springer, Cham (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-732014-6_20. ISBN 978-3-319-73203-9

  2. Jonassen, D.H.: Computers as Mindtools for Schools: Engaging Critical Thinking, 2nd edn. Prentice Hall, New Jersey (2000). 297 pages

    Google Scholar 

  3. Han, I., Black, J.B.: Incorporating haptic feedback in simulation for learning physics. Comput. Educ. 57, 2281–2290 (2011)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Freitas, R., Campos, P.: SMART: a SysteM of augmented reality for teaching 2nd grade students. In: Proceedings of the 22nd British HCI Group Annual Conference on HCI 2008: People and Computers XXII: Culture, Creativity, Interaction - Volume 2, BCS HCI, Liverpool, pp. 27–30 (2008)

    Google Scholar 

  5. Cai, S., Chiang, F.K., Wang, X.: Using the augmented reality 3-D technique for a convex imaging experiment in a physics course. Int. J. Eng. Educ. 29(4), 856–865 (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  6. Chiang, T.H.C., Yang, S.J.H., Hwang, G.J.: An Augmented reality-based mobile learning system to improve students’ learning achievements and motivations in natural science inquiry activities. Educ. Technol. Soc. 17(4), 352–365 (2014)

    Google Scholar 

  7. Tsihouridis, Ch., et al.: The optimum equilibrium when using experiments in teaching. Submitted to International Journal of Engineering Pedagogy (iJEP)

    Google Scholar 

  8. Ahn, S., Ames, A.J., Myers, N.D.: A review of meta-analysis in education: methodological strengths and weaknesses. Rev. Educ. Res. 82(4), 436–476 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Shelby, L.B., Vaske, J.J.: Understanding meta-analysis: a review of the methodological literature. Leis. Sci. 30, 96–110 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Sapounidis, Th., Demetriadis, S.: Tangible versus graphical user interfaces for robot programming: exploring cross-age children’s preferences. Pers. Ubiquit. Comput. 17, 1775–1786 (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  11. Bakas, Ch., Katsikis, A., Mikropoulos, T.: Virtual reality as a mental representations creation tool: a science example. In: Dimitrakopoulou, A. (ed.) Proceedings of the 3rd Conference ETPE (ICT in Education), Volume B, Aegean University, Rhodes, pp. 37–46 (2002)

    Google Scholar 

  12. Patsalou, Th., Charitos, D., Martakos, D.: Evaluating the use of virtual environment to support chemistry teaching. In: Dimitrakopoulou, A. (ed.) Proceedings of the 3rd Conference ETPE (ICT in Education), Volume B, Aegean University, Rhodes, pp. 491–496 (2002)

    Google Scholar 

  13. Ibanez-Espiga, B.M.: Experimenting with electromagnetism using augmented reality: impact on flow student experience and educational effectiveness. Comput. Educ. 71, 1–13 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Hsu, Y.-S., Lin, Y.-H., Yang, B.: Impact of augmented reality lessons on students’ STEM interest. Res. Pract. Technol. Enhanc. Learn. 12, 2–14 (2017)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Pirker, J., Lesjak, I.: An educational physics laboratory in mobile versus room scale virtual reality – a comparative study. i-JOE 13(8), 106–120 (2017)

    Google Scholar 

  16. Trindade, J., Fiolhais, C., Almeida, L.: Science learning in virtual environments: a descriptive study. Br. J. Educ. Technol. 33(4), 2–18 (2002)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Akai, C.: Depth perception in real and virtual environments. An exploration of individual differences, Thesis for the Degree of Master of Science, School of Interactive Arts & Technology, University of British Columbia (1998). 109 pages

    Google Scholar 

  18. Crăciun, D., Bunoiu, M.: Boosting physics education through mobile augmented reality. In: TIM17 Physics Conference, AIP Conference Proceedings, vol. 1916, pp. 050003-1–050003-6. AIP Publishing (2017). https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5017456. ISBN 978-0-7354-1608-6, pp. 1–6

  19. Strzys, M.P., Kapp, S., Thees, M., Klein, P., Lukowicz, P., Knierim, P., Schmidt, A., Kuhn, J.: Physics holo.lab learning experience: using smartglasses for augmented reality labwork to foster the concepts of heat conduction. Eur. J. Phys., 1–14 (2018)

    Google Scholar 

  20. Huang, K.-T., Ball, C., Francis, J., Ratan, R., Boumis, J., Fordham, J.: Augmented versus virtual reality in education: an exploratory study examining science knowledge retention when using augmented reality/virtual reality mobile applications. Cyberpsychol. Behav. Soc. Netw. 22(2), 105–110 (2018)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Tibola, L.R., Herpich, F., Fernanda da Silva, P., Tarouco, L.M.R.: Experience in teaching science in virtual environment. Int. J. Innov. Educ. Res. 7(4), 23–43 (2019)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Hussein, M., Natterdal, C.: The benefits of virtual reality in education – a comparison study, Bachelor of Science Thesis in Software Engineering and Management, University of Gothenburg Sweden, pp. 1–15 (2015)

    Google Scholar 

  23. Techakosit, S., Nilsook, P.: Using augmented reality for teaching physics. In: Proceedings of International e-Learning Conference, IEC, Global Trends in Digital Leaning, BITEC Banga, Bangkok, Thailand, pp. 282–285 (2015)

    Google Scholar 

  24. Nielsen, B.L., Brandt, H., Swensen, H.: Augmented reality in science education - affordances for student learning. NORDINA 12(2), 152–174 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Charilaos Tsichouridis , Marianthi Batsila , Dennis Vavougios or George Ioannidis .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2020 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this paper

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this paper

Tsichouridis, C., Batsila, M., Vavougios, D., Ioannidis, G. (2020). Virtual and Augmented Reality in Science Teaching and Learning. In: Auer, M., Hortsch, H., Sethakul, P. (eds) The Impact of the 4th Industrial Revolution on Engineering Education. ICL 2019. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, vol 1134. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-40274-7_20

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics