Mixed Reality for Education (MRE) Implementation and Results in Online Classes for Engineering
June 23rd, 2023
In this work, a mixed reality system called MRE was developed to help students develop laboratory practices complementing online classes. An experiment was carried out with 30 students; 10 students did not use MRE, 10 used MRE, and 10 more used MRE with teacher feedback.
This protocol examines how mixed reality can enhance online engineering education by overcoming remote lab limitations and costly VR equipment. It involves 30 students, emphasizing the advantages of MR and the importance of feedback. The main advantage of the mixed reality system is its ability to facilitate laboratory practices in online engineering classes, allowing students to compliment the theoretical learning.
The study emphasized the importance of feedback. The mixed reality system can also be used in other application, such as training in industry where practical experience is essential, but difficult to provide in traditional settings. It offers a cost-effective solution, making it accessible to a wider population.
User may face challenges in navigating the virtual environment, interacting with virtual and real objects, and understanding the feedback system. To help a beginner, it is advisable to provide clear instructions and demonstrations. Begin by launching the mixed reality for education or MRE application, and loading the desired services on the cell phone.
Now insert the cell phone into the VR glasses, and put the glasses on. Visually locate the center of the MRE prototype base. When the simulation appears, raise an outstretched hand to place it in the center of the view.
To prepare the user for VR, without the glasses, open the MRE application, and select the scenario the user wants to perform. Press play, and execute the scenario. Execute the first electric component scenario by using red, green, and blue.
To locate the areas to position components, take the component and position it in the right place. Continue until all components are placed accurately. Typical deviation without the use of MRE was observed to be more dispersed.
The best average obtained was when MRE was used with teacher feedback. MRE usage ensured an average score of 7.5 and above. MRE with feedback resulted in average scores of eight and higher, with the highest scores of all three groups at 9.3 and 9.5.
The most critical aspect of this procedure is to detect the real objects, therefore, the detection of the user hands is essential to be able to execute the scenarios. The current procedure can be applied to the industry, for example, the training of new employees, allowing them to train in safe environments. This technique has helped expand the study to more students of the same level of knowledge.
Similarly, automated feedback could be analyzed to verify if it has an impact on learning.
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Overview
This study explores the development of a mixed reality system, MRE, aimed at enhancing laboratory practices in online engineering education. An experiment involving 30 students was conducted to assess the effectiveness of MRE, with variations in feedback provided.
Key Study Components
Area of Science
- Mixed Reality in Education
- Online Learning Enhancement
- Laboratory Practices
Background
- Remote lab limitations hinder practical learning.
- Costly VR equipment restricts accessibility.
- Mixed reality offers a potential solution.
- Feedback is crucial for effective learning.
Purpose of Study
- To evaluate the effectiveness of MRE in online engineering classes.
- To assess the impact of feedback on student learning.
- To provide a cost-effective alternative for practical training.
Methods Used
- Experiment with 30 students divided into three groups.
- Comparison of MRE usage with and without teacher feedback.
- Assessment of student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Analysis of the advantages of mixed reality in education.
Main Results
- MRE facilitated better laboratory practices compared to traditional methods.
- Students receiving feedback showed improved learning outcomes.
- The system proved to be a cost-effective educational tool.
- Potential applications extend to industry training.
Conclusions
- Mixed reality can significantly enhance online engineering education.
- Feedback plays a vital role in maximizing student learning.
- MRE offers a practical solution for remote learning challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Executive Industry Relevance
Mixed reality platforms such as MRE offer scalable, cost-effective solutions for remote technical training, addressing the challenge of delivering hands-on laboratory experiences in distributed or resource-limited environments. For biopharma R&D, these systems can support workforce upskilling, technical onboarding, and protocol standardization when in-person access is constrained. The integration of real-time feedback mechanisms further enhances knowledge retention and operational readiness across geographically dispersed teams.
Strategic Applications in Biopharma R&D
Early Discovery & Target Validation
- Enables remote training on complex instrumentation and experimental protocols for new scientists.
- Supports standardized onboarding for assay setup and troubleshooting in distributed teams.
- Facilitates knowledge transfer and reduces variability in hands-on technique execution.
Screening & Assay Development
- Prepares staff for high-throughput screening workflows through immersive, repeatable practice scenarios.
- Improves reproducibility by reinforcing correct component placement and procedural steps.
- Accelerates readiness for new assay platforms without requiring physical lab access.
Translational & Preclinical Research
- Supports safe, simulated training for complex or hazardous procedures prior to live execution.
- Enables broader access to protocol-specific training, reducing site-to-site variability.
- Aligns technical competencies across global research sites for consistent preclinical data generation.
Pipeline & Workflow Integration
Mixed reality training modules can be positioned from early discovery onboarding through preclinical workflow standardization, bridging gaps in hands-on skill acquisition and protocol adherence.
- Discovery Biology: Reinforces hypothesis-driven experimental design through interactive scenario-based learning.
- Screening: Standardizes assay setup and execution, supporting reproducible quantitative outputs.
- Analytics: Provides measurable performance data on user proficiency and protocol compliance.
- Translational Research: Ensures continuity of technical skills as projects advance from discovery to preclinical phases.
- Enterprise Reuse: Offers a scalable, reusable platform for ongoing workforce development and cross-site harmonization.
Operational & Enterprise Impact
- Scientific Value: Increases predictive confidence in technical execution and reduces procedural ambiguity.
- Operational Value: Delivers standardized, reproducible training at scale with minimal physical resource requirements.
- Strategic Value: Enhances go/no-go decision quality by ensuring technical readiness and protocol fidelity.
- Portfolio Impact: Supports risk-adjusted advancement by minimizing technical variability across programs.
Implementation Considerations
- Requires subject matter expertise to develop accurate, scenario-based training modules.
- Needs compatible hardware (e.g., smartphones, VR glasses) and reliable software infrastructure.
- Demands clear instructional design and user support for effective onboarding.
- Must address adaptation for diverse laboratory protocols and user backgrounds.
- Potential navigation and feedback system challenges should be evaluated for user experience optimization.
