School of Engineering embraces Augmented Reality

Imagine having a giant jet engine right in front of you or being able to look at the intricate workings of a moving wind turbine without having to leave your seat.

Technology like augmented reality (AR) has made both ideas possible and staff at RGU’s School of Engineering are embracing this to bring huge machines into the heart of their teaching.

By simply scanning a QR code students are able to open up engines and study their inner workings while sitting in a traditional classroom setting.

Lecturer Hossein Zanganeh is actively using AR for teaching within the School of Engineering and has created his own tailored content using AR apps with many of them available for free.

He said: “I’ve noticed a real difference in lectures when using AR to highlight a range of important engineering concepts.  Students feel more engaged when they see a virtual representation of an object in front of them.

“The main aim of using AR within our teaching is to improve understanding and the overall learning experience for our students.

“I create a lot of the content myself and it gives me a great sense of pride to know that this technology is helping the next generation of engineers progress.”

One student said the AR “really helped” with a module on fatigue and it has “definitely helped my understanding.”