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BOARD # 3 : MAKER: Advancing Collaboration in STEM Education Using a Multi-User Mixed Reality Training Module

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Conference

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Publication Date

June 22, 2025

Start Date

June 22, 2025

End Date

August 15, 2025

Conference Session

Make It! Manufacturing Division Poster Session

Tagged Division

Manufacturing Division (MFG)

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/55665

Paper Authors

biography

Israa Azzam Purdue University at West Lafayette (COE)

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Israa joined the School of Engineering Technology at Purdue University as a visiting scholar in September 2021. She conducts research on the design, modeling, simulation, and control of complex fluid power and mechanical systems. Prior to her appointment as a visiting scholar at Purdue, Israa was a graduate research and teaching assistant at the American University of Beirut (AUB) Lebanon from 2019 to 2021. She conducted research on dynamic system control theory, where she designed and validated robust algorithmic controllers to tackle one of the most concerning problems: energy-performance optimization.

Israa received her B.S degree in Mechanical Engineering from Beirut Arab University (BAU) Lebanon in 2019. In 2021, she received her M.S degree in Mechanical Engineering "Robust Control" from the American University of Beirut (AUB) Lebanon. She is in the process of pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Purdue University. Her primary Ph.D. research will focus on designing Interactive Mixed Reality Modules for addressing spatial visualization and understanding complex fluid power systems in Engineering Technology.

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Khalid Oladeji Bello University of Louisville

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Farid Breidi Purdue Polytechnic Institute, Purdue University – West Lafayette Orcid 16x16 orcid.org/0000-0003-4959-3292

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Faisal Aqlan University of Louisville Orcid 16x16 orcid.org/0000-0002-0695-5364

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Abstract

Collaboration and teamwork are critical in STEM fields, especially during complex tasks, as they enable the integration of diverse skills and lead to more innovative solutions. This study introduces a hands-on, collaborative training solution to advance collaboration during assembly tasks by utilizing Mixed Reality (MR) technology as a training tool for promoting teamwork and problem-solving among STEM students. The MR-shared environment, developed using Microsoft Azure and Photon Cloud, synchronizes up to four MR headsets (HoloLens 2), enabling multiple users to collaborate in the same virtual scene. The MR module engages users in the design and assembly of a hydraulically actuated bike, a system selected for its complex mechanical and hydraulic components. It consists of two sections: (1) Tutorial Session and (2) Assembly Lab, and was tested with 103 students in a Fluid Power course, where participants collaboratively designed and assembled a hydraulic bike. This innovative tool exposed trainees to realistic assembly scenarios, fostering teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills in a dynamic learning setting. Throughout the MakeIt Session, three HoloLens 2 headsets will be available to provide a live demonstration of the collaborative MR module. Attendees will gain hands-on exposure to the MR-shared environment, including the collaborative MR module, learning how to set up the headsets, initiate the module, and navigate its features. This demonstration will allow STEM educators to learn how to use this MR tool to enhance STEM education while exploring evidence of its positive impact on students’ collaborative learning experiences. This interactive session aims to inspire educators and researchers to adopt MR technologies in their teaching practices, showcasing its potential to improve STEM education.

Azzam, I., & Bello, K. O., & Breidi, F., & Aqlan, F. (2025, June), BOARD # 3 : MAKER: Advancing Collaboration in STEM Education Using a Multi-User Mixed Reality Training Module Paper presented at 2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition , Montreal, Quebec, Canada . https://peer.asee.org/55665

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