DiedricAR: a mobile augmented reality system designed for the ubiquitous descriptive geometry learning

Abstract

This article presents a mobile Augmented Reality system, called DiedricAR, aimed at the learning of Descriptive Geometry. Thanks to its ability to recreate virtual models in real space, Augmented Reality is a technology suitable for making Descriptive Geometry comprehension and interpretation easier. The DiedricAR application allows students to learn in autonomously way by using their own mobile devices (smartphones and tablets), that work as Augmented Reality displays over training material (DiedricAR exercise workbook) specially designed for the new learning model defined by the European Higher Education System. Compared to some of the existing Augmented Reality systems used to learn Descriptive Geometry, DiedricAR offers the advantage of being specifically developed for mobile devices giving the students the possibility of using ubiquitous learning to its ultimate extent by interacting with the didactical content (i.e. showing the desired intermediate step when solving dihedral exercises). The presentation of DiedricAR is completed by exploring some key items such as the potential benefits for students' spatial ability, the relationship between application design and user experience, and software performance on several mobile devices.