A Gesture-Based Educational System that Integrates Simulation and Molecular Visualization to Teach Chemistry

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v17i04.26503

Keywords:

chemistry, simulation, e-learning, gesture-based technology, virtual labs, 3D visualization

Abstract


Technology has proven effective in enhancing teaching methods. Gesture-based applications have a high potential for use in the development of teaching methods in schools. Simulation and 3D visualization, in particular, are some of the most important technologies that positively affected education. The implementation of these technologies in the education sector can determine students’ potential and enhance their interest in learning in scientific fields. This study explored the use of a chemistry education system that integrates virtual simulation and molecular visualization and uses a Leap Motion controller to teach chemistry in secondary schools. The sample comprised 113 students enrolled in four different classes in a public secondary school in Saudi Arabia. The data were analyzed using an ANOVA test to compare the results. The results indicate that the students who used the proposed educational system achieved better learning results than the students who participated in theoretical classroom learning only. Moreover, students who used the proposed educational system learned microscopic-level concepts better than those who used a real chemistry laboratory. Finally, combining simulation and molecular visualization and using gesture-based technology has a significant and positive effect on the students’ learning experience, as demonstrated by the results of this study which contributes to the development of education through the utilization of modern technology.

Author Biographies

Shaykhah S. Aldosari, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Plymouth University, Plymouth, United Kingdom

Shaykhah S. Aldosari received a Master degree of Science in computer science from the College of Computer and Information sciences, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia. She is currently a PhD candidate at the School of Computing and Mathematics, Plymouth University in the UK. She works as a lecturer and a researcher in the College of Computer and Information Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Saudi Arabia.

Bogdan Ghita, Plymouth University, Plymouth, United Kingdom

Bogdan Ghita received his PhD in 2005 from the University of Plymouth, UK. He is an Associate Professor at the University of Plymouth and leads the networking area within the Centre for Security, Communications, and Network research. He published over 150 papers, graduated 20 PhD students, and has been principal investigator in many industry-led, national, and EU research projects in different computing areas.

Davide Marocco, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy

Davide Marocco received his PhD in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Calabria, in Italy. He is currently Associate Professor of Psychometrics at the University of Naples Federico II, and was previously Reader in Cognitive Robotics and Intelligent Systems at the University of Plymouth, in the UK.
Cover iJET Vol. 17 No. 04 (2022)

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Published

2022-02-28

How to Cite

Aldosari, S. S., Ghita, B., & Marocco, D. (2022). A Gesture-Based Educational System that Integrates Simulation and Molecular Visualization to Teach Chemistry. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), 17(04), pp. 194–211. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v17i04.26503

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 04 (2022)

Section

Papers

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Copyright (c) 2022 Shaykhah S. Aldosari, Bogdan Ghita, Davide Marocco

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