Virtual circuits: An augmented reality circuit simulator for engineering students

Pedro Lucas, David Vaca, Federico Dominguez, Xavier Ochoa

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The abilities of Augmented Reality to overlay learning materials with contextual dynamic information and of software simulations to allow rapid and safe exploration of complex engineering concepts have already been established as beneficial in education. Access to both technologies in the classroom has been rather limited due to costs and hardware requirements. With the intention to bring these two technologies closer to engineering students, we created Virtual Circuits: A low-cost simulator app of electrical circuits designed for the classroom and autonomous study. Virtual Circuits requires only a smart-phone and a set of plastic tokens and, with the help of Augmented Reality and a simulation engine, it allows electrical engineering students to quickly explore complex concepts in their field. In this article we present the Virtual Circuits app and the results of our first field test in a real electrical engineering classroom at our university. The collected feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive hinting at tangible educational benefits and improvements in future versions of our app.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings - IEEE 18th International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies, ICALT 2018
EditorsNian-Shing Chen, Maiga Chang, Ronghuai Huang, K. Kinshuk, Kannan Moudgalya, Sahana Murthy, Demetrios G Sampson
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages380-384
Number of pages5
ISBN (Print)9781538660492
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 10 2018
Event18th IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies, ICALT 2018 - Bombay, India
Duration: Jul 9 2018Jul 13 2018

Publication series

NameProceedings - IEEE 18th International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies, ICALT 2018

Other

Other18th IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies, ICALT 2018
Country/TerritoryIndia
CityBombay
Period7/9/187/13/18

Keywords

  • Augmented Reality
  • Circuit Simulation
  • Education

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hardware and Architecture
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Education
  • Computer Science Applications

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