This presentation presents an Augmented Reality simulation to assist understanding of networking and the five layer TCP/IP model. This is a joint project between Bond University and CQUniversity Australia. The simulation has been constructed using Unity3D (https://unity3d.com/) and Vufoia (https://developer.vuforia.com/) -- see https://youtu.be/0pHJWjG4-aQ for a video demonstration.

1. TEACHING COMPLEX THEORETICAL MULTI-STEP
PROBLEMS IN ICT NETWORKING THROUGH 3D
PRINTINGAND AUGMENTED REALITY
Michael Cowling
School of Engineering & Technology
CQUniversity, Australia
James Birt
Faculty of Society and Design
Bond University, Australia

2. Dr James Birt
Assistant Professor of Interactive Media
and Design (Games & Multimedia)
• BIT (Hons), PhD (Software Engineering &
Artificial Intelligence)
• 2014 Australian Office for Learning and
Teaching Citation for Outstanding
Contribution to Student Learning
• 15+ years industry & academic
experience
• bond.edu.au/profile/dr-james-birt

3. Introduction
• Difficult to teach complex multi
step processes - especially
without a real world model
(Tasker & Dalton, 2008)
• ICT computer networking 
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 
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

5. Experimental Design
• Participants  Undergraduate
ICT students (~n = 50)
• Split cohort into traditional &
AR+3D Print – rotate students
through each approach
• Use 3D printed networking
components that students
physically assemble, visualise
& manipulate using an app
built with Unity3d & Vuforia
youtu.be/0pHJWjG4-aQ

6. Research Methods
• Action research (Kemmis, 2006)
• Each ‘loop’  single term with different cohort
• Pre-Post test  assess student base knowledge &
knowledge of learning objectives
• Qualitative survey assessing student feelings about the
technology & digital competency
• Online focus group to collect further rich data on student
experience
“How does 3D printing and augmented reality
assist ICT networking students in visualising
complex multi-step processes?”

8. • Full paper available from:
http://www.2015conference.ascilite.org/wp-
content/uploads/2015/11/ascilite-2015-proceedings.pdf