Researcher's corner

Research work done with StereoChem

• Paper title: Augmented Reality 3D Molecular Model Visualization App for Teaching and Learning of Stereochemistry

Cite as: Swamy, N. Chavan, P. S. & Murthy, S. (2018), StereoChem: Augmented Reality 3D Molecular Model Visualization App for Teaching and Learning Stereochemistry, IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies.

Abstract: Understanding Stereochemistry is of critical importance for students aiming to be future chemists, molecular biologists, pharmacists, pharmacologists or physicians. Stereochemistry focuses on the study of the stereoisomers which have the same molecular formula but differ only in the spatial orientation of their atoms resulting in different physical, chemical or biological properties. Hence spatial thinking skill is essential for students to interpret stereoisomers. Augmented reality helps enhance the spatial perception of 3D molecules.
StereoChem, our mobile app for visualizing augmented 3D molecular models harnesses this advantage of augmented reality to aid teaching and learning of Stereochemistry. This paper gives a brief introduction to the significance and challenges of learning Stereochemistry. It describes the design inputs that we considered for encouraging the ubiquitous use of our app by chemistry teachers and students, then discusses the development of the StereoChem app and the teaching-learning contexts in which it can be used. Finally, it gives an account of the user experience study done with 50 chemistry teachers.

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Future work:

The project is closed now but you can explore the following areas:

3D Property:

Current research has only dealt with the evaluation of the feasibility and the appropriateness of the StereoChem app for learning the nuances of 2D structural representations of stereo chemicals by visualizing 3D molecules. And also the current visualizations of 3D molecules in StereoChem are of static nature. Further research can examine the scope for incorporating dynamic models of molecules. Dynamic models of augmented reality molecules widens the scope of StereoChem app for learning diverse concepts in chemistry. It can then be used to learn the molecular mechanism of chemical reactions, self assembly of molecules, the interaction of light with molecules and many others.

Student engagement:

Current research conducted a pilot user experience study with both students and teachers. Further research can look into the differences in the engagement when students are performing learning activities using desktop based visualization of molecular models with that of ones visualized using StereoChem.

Teacher Use of StereoChem in Classroom:

Study of teacher use of StereoChem in classroom would offer deeper insights into the constraints of StereoChem in the classroom setting. This would provide potential directions for its refinement and further improvement.