Educational augmented reality: Interactive magnetic field visualization

Most research into educational augmented reality (AR) has centered around students’ attitudes toward the new technology, and not the impact of AR on students understanding. This project was originally intended to compare student understanding between a three-dimensional AR visualization and the traditional two-dimensional visualization. We created an interactive AR simulation to be included with the magnetism unit in one section of a laboratory-based, algebra-based introductory physics class. We had selected a common exam problem that requires the students to understand the right hand rule and be able to visualize a 3d magnetic field. We had intended to compare the answers of the AR treatment group to a control group. An unforeseeable global pandemic prevented face-to-face classes from meeting the way this project would have required. We discuss the app, present what little results we have and present plans for future research.