A new interactive learning tool - MolyPoly

Title

A new interactive learning tool - molypoly

Author(s)

Dr Susan Turland, Dr Winyu Chinthammit

Presentation Goals

• Understand how the use of an interactive application was integrated into the teaching of an existing unit
• Get a sense of how students might understand otherwise abstract concepts through the use of applications using natural gestures.

Subtheme

UTAS Blended Learning Model

Presentation Type

Poster

Keywords

high impact learning experience, interactive, hands-on learning, abstract concepts

Room

Stanley Burbury Lecture Theatre

Time

11.00-11.25

Abstract

Through the collaboration between the HITLab and Chemistry, a new interactive application, MolyPoly 2, has been developed to build and interact with chemistry models using a LeapMotion controller. MolyPoly 2 enabled students to use their natural hand/finger gestures to select atoms, bond them and rotate the molecule thus giving the student a high impact learning experience. Many researchers have created or used new technologies to enhance the visuospatial ability and those using technologies that increase natural gestures and body movement have found it reduces the abstract relations thus decreasing the number of misconceptions conceived (Chinthammit et al 2015). Enabling continuous access throughout the semester and the exam period as well as having the application as one of the learning tools integrated within the scheduled learning sessions enabled the student to become familiar with the tool and easily use it for its purpose. Feedback from the usability survey showed that the majority of students enjoyed using the interactive tool in conjunction with other learning materials. They particularly liked the visualisation of the molecules in 3D and the change in shape of molecules due to the different types of bonds, 'I found the best thing it did was show how the geometry changed when going from single to double bonds'. The ability to self-check their own work was also highly valued – 71% agreed or highly agreed. To the statement "Overall, MolyPoly helped improved my understanding of the molecular geometry of functional groups' 75% of students agreed or highly agreed. Additional student outcomes including those from pre and post-tests from using the aligned MolyPoly application will be presented.

Integrating a newly developed technology into an existing unit is an acquired skill. This process including the development, testing, evaluating and alignment of the new application into a successful teaching model will also be presented.

A hands-on demonstration on how to use MolyPoly 2 with a Leap Motion Controller will be available at Teaching Matters. Chinthammit, W. Yoo, S, Parker, C. Turland, S. Pederson, S, Fu, W.-T. MolyPoly: A 3D Immersive Gesture Controlled Approach to Visuo-Spatial Learning of Organic Chemistry in The Cognitive Effects of Spatial Interaction, Learning and Ability. Springer (2015).