2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

MAKER:
This project presents the design and preliminary use of an interactive augmented reality (AR) learning module developed to support experiential learning in manufacturing and engineering technology education. The AR environment allows students to assemble and evaluate a structural system within a naturalistic setting, encouraging exploration of materials, spatial relationships, and design decisions through direct interaction. To inform the design of the AR experience, a mixed-methods survey was used to capture students’ formative experiences, early exposure to hands-on activities, and factors that influenced interest in engineering and technical pathways. Analysis of 150 survey responses indicated that hands-on work, tinkering, and interaction with physical systems were among the most frequently cited influences on students’ interest in engineering-related fields. These findings guided the development of the AR module to emphasize interactive assembly, environmental context, and exploratory decision-making rather than prescriptive instruction. The AR module was subsequently piloted with 72 participants, who engaged with the environment by selecting materials, assembling components, and reasoning about design choices within the simulated setting. Preliminary observations suggest that the experience supports engagement with manufacturing-relevant concepts and provides a flexible platform for integrating experiential, project-based activities into applied coursework. Together, the survey-informed design process and AR artifact demonstrate a replicable approach for creating interactive learning tools that connect students’ prior experiences with core practices in manufacturing education.