(366d) Making Unit Operations an Immersive Experience through Augmented Reality

A chemical engineering student’s knowledge of theory, experimental design, and real-world processes is tested in the Unit Operations laboratory. Consequently, instructors’ resources are stretched increasingly thin in pursuit of delivering high-quality content. In-lab time is too often spent distributing personalized instruction regarding the experiment at hand. Thus, inefficient use of class time restricts the breadth and quantity of data students are able to collect thereby diminishing their opportunity for learning. More efficient delivery of course content will enhance familiarization, operation, and safety of lab equipment facilitating critica l thinking as students navigate unfamiliar experimental conditions. This work demonstrates the evolution of several technological tools, including augmented reality, used to effectively train students on key aspect of unit operations before and during the lab sessions.