Resumen
La realidad extendida combina entornos reales y virtuales mediante interacciones
generadas por ordenador, permitiendo extender y ampliar las experiencias sensoriales del
usuario. Actualmente, las experiencias de realidad extendida más conocidas son la realidad
aumentada (RA) y la realidad virtual (RV) que se están incorporando de manera incremental
en áreas que abarcan desde el marketing, a la sanidad. A pesar de que la aplicación de estas
tecnologías a la educación es aún reciente, muestran un enorme potencial ya que fomentan
de manera significativa la motivación y aprendizaje de los estudiantes, se adaptan a distintos
estilos de aprendizaje, reducen en cierta medida desigualdades sociales, y facilitan la inclusividad
y atención a la diversidad en el aula. En este trabajo, presentamos un proyecto que incorpora
elementos de RA y RV a la docencia universitaria, con el objetivo de proporcionar una
experiencia de aprendizaje que favorezca la inmersión en el tema/asignatura y que complemente
las prácticas de campo de asignaturas relacionadas con la biología marina. Proporcionamos
información detallada sobre el proceso diseño y creación del material para promover y facilitar
el uso de estas herramientas a cualquier docente interesado.
Abstract
Extended reality technologies combine real and virtual environments through computer
generated interactions, allowing to extend and amplify the sensory experiences of the user.
Currently, the most widely known extended reality experiences are augmented reality (AR) and
virtual reality (VR) which are being increasingly incorporated in a wide variety of areas that range
from marketing to health care. Despite the relatively recent application of these technologies in
education they have already shown an enormous potential, as they significantly improve student
motivation and learning, adapt to different learning styles, reduce social inequalities to some
extent, and facilitate inclusiveness and diversity practices in the classroom. In this work, we
present a project that incorporates AR and VR to university teaching, with the aim of offering
an immersive learning experience that complements field work practices in courses related to
marine biology and zoology. Using 360º images and the open source software Roundme, we
have developed a virtual itinerary through a rocky shore in O Grove (Galicia, Spain), in which
students can observe and study the biodiversity associated to the distinct intertidal zones. We
have also created an underwater VR 360º video that allows students to experience a virtual
SCUBA dive in the Marine Reserve of Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata-Níjar (Almería, Spain).
During this virtual dive, students can observe and identify the rich biodiversity associated to
Posidonia oceanica meadows as well as other characteristic species and communities of this
marine protected area, even if they can’t swim or if they are hundreds of kilometers away from
the coast. Lastly, we have also designed an AR app that allows the visualization of representative
marine invertebrate 3D models and internal anatomy videos through a smartphone. The 3D
models were created with the app Qlone and integrated with QR codes using the software
Creator to develop the app VitrinasXR, which can be accessed with the open source app Scope.
AR and VR are among the tools with the most potential to revolutionize education, significantly
promoting motivation and learning in the classroom. The technological advances and popularity
of these tools has made them easy to use for both the teachers and the students, allowing their
effective use in education. Specifically, the application of these technologies to develop virtual
itineraries and field trips has added benefits, allowing access to students from all socio-economic
backgrounds, providing flexibility to adapt to different learning styles, and promoting inclusivity
and diversity practices in the classroom. Here, we provide detailed information regarding the
design and creation of our marine biology AR and VR teaching materials, in order to facilitate
and encourage their use in higher education by any interested party.