This paper presents insights from the implementation of a mixed reality intervention using 3d printed physical objects and a mobile augmented reality application in an ICT networking classroom. The intervention aims to assist student understanding of complex theoretical multi-step problems without a corresponding real world physical analog model. This is important because these concepts are difficult to conceptualise without a corresponding mental model. The simulation works by using physical models to represent networking equipment and allows learners to build a network that can then be simulated using a mobile app to observe underlying packet traversal and routing theory between the different devices as data travels from the source to the destination. Outcomes from usability testing show great student interest in the intervention and a feeling that it helped with clarity, but also demonstrated the need to scaffold the use of the intervention for students rather than providing a freeform experience in the classroom.

1. PILOTING MIXED REALITY IN ICT NETWORKING TO
VISUALIZE COMPLEX THEORETICAL MULTI-STEP
PROBLEMS
Michael Cowling
School of Engineering & Technology
CQUniversity, Australia
James Birt
Faculty of Society and Design
Bond University, Australia

2. Merging physical and
virtual worlds through
virtual reality, augmented
reality, 3d printing & game
technology
www.mixedrealityresearch.com

3. Introduction
• Difficult to teach complex multi
step processes - especially
without a real world model
(Tasker & Dalton, 2008)
• ICT computer networking à
traditional method uses
abstract visualizations that
don’t capture complexity
leaving hidden concepts
(Williamson et al., 2012)
• E.g. the multi-step traversal of
packets along the layers of the
fundamental TCP/IP packet
networking model
TCP/IP Model

4. Pilot Study Rationale
• Visualizations are positive learning
support tools (Birt & Hovorka, 2014;
Mayer, 2014; …)
• Kinaesthetic tools better form mental
models (Pass & Sweller, 2014)
• Use 3D printing & AR simulation à
assist with learning complex multi
step problems
• Evaluate effectiveness of mixed
reality visualization technique in ICT
networking & the learners
understanding of TCP/IP packet flow
https://youtu.be/HsomAvtwav4

5. Research Methods
• Action research (Kemmis, 2006)
• First loop - usability test with six (6) users of the system
(as per Nielsen, 2012 – HCI quality measures)
• Students to assess against a set of measures developed
from previous work (Birt & Horvaka, 2014)
• Accessibility, Learnability, Efficiency, Satisfaction, Memorability,
Error Free, Manipulability, Navigability, Visibility, Real world,
Communication, Creativity, Engaging, Motivating
“How does 3D printing and augmented reality
assist ICT networking students in visualising
complex multi-step processes?”

6. Experimental Design
• Two-step process:
• Physical component provided first
to allow students to build a
network (Bell, 2014)
• Followed by an app that could be
used to simulate network
operations over the physical
network that was built by students
• Use 3D printed networking
components that students
physically assemble, visualise
& manipulate using an app
built with Unity3d & Vuforia https://youtu.be/xaMbpBpOpaQ

7. Results
à Likert 1-5, (1):strongly disagree (5):strongly agree

8. Observations
• [Learners] enjoyed diving in and asked if they could
download [the app] to their own device and if the markers
worked across multiple devices at the same time
• [Learner] urgency resulted in problems … building large
networks and then having difficulty visualising these
networks using the app
• [Memorability] was good … [Learners] were able to
successfully use the tool to build networks and to
visualise the TCP/IP model
“[TCP/IP] was more clarified through this [simulation] and
it’s good to work with such networking concepts. It gives
user friendly interface, easy to interact and act upon it”
ICT Student (2016)

9. Where to from here?
• More loops in the current intervention development in ICT
• Upgrades & Changes to the Simulation (markers, more scenarios
etc)
• Transition intervention into other disciplines
• Visual Arts & Multimedia (e.g. web design)
• Network Security
• Empirical Evidence of Learning Outcomes
• Learning Analytics through pre-test/post-test (e.g. Serious Game)
http://www.mixedrealityresearch.com/#networkModeling