Department of Physics & Astronomy
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA
Project PI: Dr. Shameer Abdeen is a Lecturer in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Georgia State University. Prior to joining Georgia State, he served as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Georgia Southern University and as an Instructor at the University of Arkansas, where he also earned his Ph.D. His research focuses on two primary areas: extragalactic astronomy and physics education research. In the pedagogical domain, his work focuses on developing and implementing innovative instructional tools for introductory undergraduate physics courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Augmented Reality (AR) and how is it used in education?
Augmented Reality (AR) enhances learning by overlaying digital information onto the real world. In education, it allows students to interact with 3D models and visualizations, making complex concepts easier to understand. AR is particularly useful in subjects like physics, where many phenomena are abstract and difficult to visualize.
Is the AR Physics II app free, or do I have to pay?
The AR Physics II app is completely free. Once you download the app and the marker cards, you can access all AR models and learning features at no cost. There are no subscriptions, hidden fees, or in-app purchases required.
What are the benefits of using AR in Physics education?
Augmented Reality (AR) enables students to visualize abstract physics phenomena in 3D, making complex concepts more tangible and easier to understand. By presenting spatially and temporally aligned representations, AR helps reduce split-attention effects and minimizes extraneous cognitive load during learning. The interactive nature of AR also supports constructivist, student-centered learning by allowing students to actively explore and engage with scientific concepts.
Can I use these AR tools on my mobile device?
Absolutely! AR Physics II is designed to be compatible with all Android devices. You can easily download our app from the Google Play Store and start using the AR models on your smartphone or tablet. Unfortunately, the app does not currently support Apple devices; however, we hope to expand compatibility to iOS in the near future.
What age group is suitable for your AR tools?
Although the AR tools were initially designed for college-level introductory physics courses, they can be used by a much broader audience. Any student studying introductory physics, including middle school and high school learners, can benefit from the visualizations and guided exploration activities. The interactive AR models help make abstract concepts more accessible, allowing students at different learning levels to build intuition and deepen their understanding of physics.