Integrating Educational Data Mining in Augmented Reality Virtual Learning Environment

 Virtual learning environments have become an essential tool, incorporated in learning activities in educational institutions and individuals’ homes, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital devices provide the platform for the learning environment, but learning sometimes becomes passive and boring. Augmented reality provides learners with the needed motivation, engagement, thereby boosting the learner’s activity within the virtual learning environment. It augments the traditional learning materials with 3D objects, animations, audio and visual elements, which offer better interactivity for a rich learning experience. This study aims to give an overview of the development of an augmented reality system to provide a virtual learning environment that delivers a more engaging and motivating lesson, story and experience. The study incorporates Scrum methodology, an agile software development practice that uses small increments called sprints to develop the virtual learning environment in several usable modules. The study also discusses the software tools, Blender and Unity 3D, to develop 3D models and the augmented reality modules for the virtual learning environment. The system uses image targets as markers to project 3D objects to augment the images from the traditional learning materials and offer a better visual experience. The development incorporates features of Educational Data Mining to optimise users’ learning styles and learning experiences. This chapter will demonstrate augmented reality technologies to implement a virtual learning environment that will offer an interactive and engaging learning experience.

Keywords: Augmented Reality, Agile Development, Educational Data Mining, Virtual Learning Environment.