LeARn: A Collaborative Learning Environment using Augmented Reality

This work presents “LeARn”, a new network-based collaborative learning environment that employs augmented reality to transform a real-world surface in a virtual lab. The system is a contribution towards replacing a face-to-face learning environment with an augmented collaborative setting. To demonstrate the system, a scenario with a virtual chemistry lab is presented. In this demo, any real-world surface is augmented by virtual lab equipment utilized in a chemistry experiment. The virtual lab is hosted by the instructor, and all the students can join the lab only using their mobile phones or tablets. Each member can interact with the lab equipment, which can be visualized in real-time by the instructor or fellow students. The system allows for real-time communication that fosters a truly collaborative environment. The resulting system demonstrates that a complex lab experiment can be performed from a personalized space that can incorporate positive traits of a collaborative environment. The system was deployed and evaluated in an uncontrolled user study, and the results show the effectiveness of an AR-based interactive and collaborative learning environment.