Creating augmented reality-based experiences for aviation weather training: Challenges, opportunities, and design implications for 3D authoring.

ABSTRACT

This paper examines opportunities and challenges of integrating augmented reality (AR) into education and investigates requirements to enable instructors to author AR educational experiences. Although AR technology is recognised for its potential in educational enhancement, it poses challenges for instructors creating AR-based experiences due to their limited digital skills and the complexity of 3D authoring tools. Semi-structured interviews with 17 aviation instructors identified current pedagogical approaches, gaps, and potential applications of AR in aviation weather education. Additionally, results highlighted the benefits of AR and obstacles to its integration into education, followed by outlining design priorities and user needs for educational AR authoring. For AR authoring toolkit development, this study recommended incorporating interactive AR lesson modules, early development of user requirements, and prebuilt AR modules. Findings will guide the development of a 3D authoring toolkit for non-technologist instructors, enabling wider AR use in aviation weather education and other educational fields.

Research interviews with aviation instructors were conducted to derive design implications of AR authoring toolkits for non-technologist instructors. Key findings highlighted gaps in aviation weather education, potential AR applications, and barriers to AR in education. Design recommendations emphasised incorporating interactive AR lesson modules, initial user requirements, and prebuilt AR modules.