Augmented Reality Application to Develop a Learning Tool for Students: Transforming Cellphones into Flashcards

OBJECTIVES: Flashcards are one of the most popular and optimized ways to learn factual knowledge and improve memory performance. Students of modern age, who use smart technology and mobile devices in their daily lives, often lack the time and motivation to create and use flashcards effectively. We aim to use the inseparable relationship between university students and their smartphones to create new options for higher education, converting their cellphones into flashcards. We have used this new technology to develop a simple application (app) to convert the smart mobile devices of students into flashcards. METHODS: We have developed an augmented reality (AR) flashcard application using Unity3D, which requires the user to identify a target image. Once the target image is identified, it can be replaced by any other digital output, i.e., 2D image, 3D models, or videos. We used images of histological sections of oral mucosa, which dentistry students study as a part of an oral biology course. RESULTS: The AR flashcard application worked on both iOS and Android systems. It was able to detect the target image and replace it with the output image on the device screen. CONCLUSIONS: Using this application, students will be able to independently learn and self-test their learning at their own convenience. Instructors can use the application to provide additional study aids for the students. Our application, which is being developed as a pilot project, will be expanded and applied as a learning tool for students studying dentistry at the University of Alberta.