Prototype of a Transition Metal Visualization App for the Learning of Stereochemistry in a General Chemistry Course: Initial Findings and Reflections

As part of COVID-19 preparedness, a student-developed, Android-based app was used as a pre-laboratory learning aid for a molecular modeling laboratory in a first-year general chemistry course. A worksheet activity with trigger codes and questions related to spatial features of transition metal complexes was designed. Using the Transition Metal Visualization (TMVis) app, learners activated augmented reality models on their mobile phones. Actual models were then constructed in class. Mean stereochemistry post-laboratory grades increased with stronger worksheet grades, though differences between worksheet grades for app and non-app users were not significant. Feedback revealed that approximately 60% of respondents preferred the physical modeling kit, citing ease of visualization and hands-on interactivity as its key strengths. Improvements for future work were proposed in light of the results and limitations.