Development of an augmented reality based remedial course to improve the spatial ability of engineering students

This paper presents the results of a pilot study designed to evaluate the effect of attending an intensive remedial course (8 hours worth of work during one week) based on desktop augmented reality exercises to improve the spatial ability of freshman engineering students. Activities based on practice with an augmented reality enhanced exercise book had a positive effect on students´ spatial ability, measured by both MRT and DAT:SR tests. To promote students´ autonomy, a YouTube tutorial for each type of exercise was developed. This allowed greater freedom for students to advance at their own pace during the training sessions. An evaluation and satisfaction questionnaire based on a five level Likert scale was submitted by participants. The experience was considered very positive by students.