Design of an Integrated Pipeline for the Visualization of 3D Molecular Models to study the effects on Spatial Learning Ability

Abstract

Students undertaking courses in the field of chemistry need to integrate their spatial skills and conceptual knowledge. However, model perception along with the under standing of spatial processes and structure of molecules has been a cause of difficulty for the students as conventional two dimensional (2D) methods cannot fully aid stu dent comprehension. Educators suggest that introducing three dimensional (3D) mod els in classrooms can complement student learning. 3D models can be introduced in chemistry learning either as physical models or virtual models. Physical models are limited in quantity, variety of colors and variety of shapes whereas, virtual models provide greater variety, flexibility and availability. In this research, a pipeline is devel oped to aid the spatial learning process by automatically creating a link between two dimensional (2D) representations of chemical structures and three-dimensional (3D) molecular visualization. The image of a chemical structure is acquired and processed instantaneously for structure identification and virtual 3D model generation. The 3D molecular model is simplified for real-time interactive rendering. The pipeline requires only a cell phone with camera and the designed application installed along with a Linux based server. The efficacy of the pipeline in aiding the spatial learning ability of individuals is evaluated through an experiment involving first year graduate students. Results show an increase in the average student test scores by 21%. Further, analy sis of the results suggests that virtual models and mobile applications are capable of narrowing the performance gap between students exhibiting different levels of spatial ability.