Understanding Collaborative Learning of Molecular Structures in AR with Eye Tracking.

Area of Science:

• Educational Technology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Chemistry Education

Background:

• Effective on-site instruction requires monitoring student understanding and engagement.
• Augmented Reality (AR) offers immersive environments for collaborative learning.
• Eye-tracking technology can provide insights into visual attention patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an AR-based system for on-site, collaborative instruction with gaze-based attention monitoring.
• To facilitate effective content delivery and student support in hybrid teaching setups.
• To explore the application of this system in teaching stereochemistry using 3D molecular models.

Main Methods:

• Students used head-mounted displays with eye-tracking for collaborative tasks in a co-located space.
• A supervisor monitored students and interacted via a hybrid AR and desktop PC setup.
• Bidirectional mapping between 2D structural formulas and 3D molecules facilitated attention monitoring and guidance.

Main Results:

• The system effectively monitors student visual attention during collaborative AR tasks.
• The approach supports teachers in observing and assisting student learning processes.
• Students and supervisors reported high potential for classroom applications.

Conclusions:

• The developed AR system with eye-tracking enhances collaborative learning and teacher support.
• This technology shows significant promise for improving engagement and understanding in chemistry education.
• Future applications can extend to various on-site and remote teaching scenarios.