"Time travel" into lectures thanks to AR technology

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that combines the real world with virtual elements created by computers, usually through the camera and screen of a phone, tablet or specialized AR glasses. Unlike virtual reality (VR) that puts users in a completely virtual environment, AR keeps the real scene but "augments" it with digital information, such as images, sounds, text or 3D models displayed directly in the user's field of vision. Thanks to that, AR is widely applied in many fields such aseducation , healthcare, architecture, commerce, tourism and entertainment, helping to enhance interactive experiences and support more effective decision making.

"Learning materials applying augmented reality (AR) technology for teaching" by a group of students from Hanoi University of Science and Technology has opened up great potential in innovating the way we approach and convey knowledge.

Hoang Nghia Tung (left cover) and Ngo Lam Truong introduce the project "Learning materials applying augmented reality (AR) technology for teaching". Photo: Mai Loan.

Intuitive, vivid, cost-effective learning materials

Sharing about the original idea of the project "Learning materials applying augmented reality (AR) technology for teaching", Hoang Nghia Tung, a member of the research team, said that the idea came from real-life experiences while studying.

“For example, Electrical Engineering, an introductory subject, is quite difficult for many students. We listened to their thoughts and realized the strong development trend of AR technology in the world and its potential applications in Vietnam. From there, we came up with the idea of building a more intuitive and vivid learning material to support teaching and learning,” Tung shared.

Explaining how the product works, Ngo Lam Truong, a team member, said that when a user scans a certain image with the software, the system will display a 3D model of the object, such as an electrical circuit, along with related detailed information such as structure, technical parameters, and operating principles. Users can view the content in both English and Vietnamese, which is very convenient.

This application not only helps engineering students gain a deeper understanding of difficult and complex knowledge, but also brings practical benefits in saving costs in producing learning materials and purchasing practice equipment for training institutions.

“Teachers do not need to buy too many external devices anymore, but can completely use our products in teaching,” Truong emphasized.

From those successes, the group boldly expanded into the field of general education by testing the application of this augmented reality technology in teaching English to grade 7 students at a middle school in Hanoi.

Experience the feeling of "traveling through time" when using the product.

Accordingly, in a lesson on the dinosaur world, the group's AR product allows students to simply point their phone or tablet camera at a predetermined image, and a vivid 3D dinosaur model will immediately appear on the screen. Students feel like they are "transcending time" from the real space of the classroom. Students can rotate, zoom in, and zoom out the model, while viewing related English vocabulary displayed next to it.

“The experimental results show that both students and teachers have very positive feedback about the product, highly appreciating its novelty, attractiveness and effectiveness in stimulating interest in learning and memorizing vocabulary,” said Tung.

Innovation and product commercialization are the keys to growth

Appreciating the spirit of scientific research and the ability to apply technology of students, Associate Professor, Dr. Truong Viet Anh, Head of the Department of Science and Technology, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, said that Hanoi University of Science and Technology has a long tradition of scientific research, especially in the field of engineering and technology. The need for innovation in learning and research, and the search for new things has become a tradition of the school.

The school's leadership is always aware of this and constantly expands and creates an environment and ecosystem for scientific research and innovation for both students and lecturers. The goal is to create the best creative environment within its conditions, so that you can freely research and invent new ideas and products.

When a user scans a particular image with the software, the system displays a 3D model of the object. Photo: Mai Loan.

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Viet Anh, in the current period, promoting innovation always goes hand in hand with improving the quality of human resource training, especially in the fields of STEM and science and technology. The Government and the Ministry of Science and Technology, as well as relevant agencies such as the Ministry of Education and Training, have consistently directed that science and technology must be the key to breakthroughs in socio-economic development.

“Recently, the Ministry of Science and Technology has also directed the development of a list of strategic technologies that have a strong impact on the country's economic development in various manufacturing and industrial sectors. From previous and current research results, Bach Khoa has prepared a list of nearly 100 technology products that can be commercialized and cooperated with businesses to contribute to the development of the national economy. This is very new information that has not been widely published,” he informed.

To further promote research and application of science and technology, according to Associate Professor, Dr. Viet Anh, it is very important to fully exploit the three-party cooperation model: State - School - Enterprise. The development of science and technology and the commercialization of products serving the life and economy of the country must be based on this foundation. This is a common formula that developed countries have gone before. Universities have the largest research force in the country today, in terms of the number of PhDs and professors. Every year, nearly one million students are enrolled in universities in all fields, both traditional and new.

“This is an extremely important human resource. Teachers have a leading role in promoting students’ passion and creativity. The role of universities is very important in this ecosystem, in order to promote the workforce, develop creative capacity, new ideas and have a foundation to enter core technologies and high technologies to serve society,” Assoc. Prof. Viet Anh emphasized.

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/xuyen-khong-vao-bai-giang-nho-cong-nghe-ar-post1544018.html