Bringing Biology to Life: Interactive AR Frog Learning Object

This post is part of a series of posts created as part of my graduate studies assignments. As part of our commitment to enhance the SCC Computer Lab with immersive technology, I have developed a digital learning object (DLO) to bridge a critical instructional gap: the high cost, ethical considerations, and logistical limits of traditional animal dissection in introductory biology, as documented in our campus technology proposal. Traditional wet labs can be restrictive, but virtual and augmented environments let students engage directly with content that would otherwise be too costly or ethically complex to experience firsthand. Using Assemblr Studio (https://studio.assemblrworld.com/), I built an interactive, mobile-friendly Augmented Reality (AR) Frog Dissection module that you can easily integrate into your classroom or laboratory routines today.

Learning Objective & Content Overview

The primary learning objective of this DLO is: Students will be able to identify key external organs of a frog and explain their anatomical positions and physiological functions in a 3D space.

When students open this learning object, they are presented with a detailed, color-coded 3D model of a dissected frog floating in their physical environment. The model features both the external cutaneous structures and a clear look at the internal organ systems. Each major organ external organ can be marked with an interactive, expandable pin housing brief, non-jargony biological facts and directional indicators. By placing students inside this virtual exploration, we provide a structured, self-guided environment that allows them to practice identifying anatomical structures at their own pace, leading to self-regulated learning and deeper cognitive gains.

Interactive, Accessible, Engaging, and Reusable

Educational research demonstrates that DLOs, defined as "small, self-contained, reusable and pedagogically complete" structures (Dumitrica & Jarmula, 2022, p. 1935), improve student performance through active, "learning by doing" mechanics. Our AR module achieves this by being:

• Interactive & Engaging: Instead of passively studying static paper manuals, which teachers in previous studies noted can limit student engagement and keep learning too teacher-centered (Santos et al., 2022), students physically navigate around the virtual frog, rotating and scaling the organs. This dynamic representation reduces cognitive load and fosters high levels of motivation (Mallidis-Malessas et al., 2022).
• Accessible & Reusable: Because this DLO does not require high-end standalone headsets, it runs directly on our existing computer lab iPads and students' personal smart devices. It is highly reusable; a general biology instructor can use the same 3D frog to discuss respiration, while an environmental science instructor can use it to explain bioindicators and amphibian anatomy.

Design Insights: Why Assemblr Studio?

Choosing the right design tool is crucial. Taking a "design-based approach" to technology integration allows us to act as active "learning designers" and "curriculum developers," building professional confidence and ensuring our tools match our students' unique needs, rather than remaining passive consumers of digital content (Santos et al., 2022).

I selected Assemblr Studio because of its zero-coding, web-based interface. It provides a free, high-quality 3D frog model in its scientific library, which solves our budget constraints while still delivering a highly interactive experience. Crucially, it supports WebAR, meaning students can view the AR frog in a standard mobile web browser without downloading any external applications, eliminating a major technical barrier.

Try It Yourself! Access Instructions

I invite you to test this module with your students:

1. Direct Browser Link: Click here to explore the AR Frog module on your desktop or laptop.
2. Mobile/Tablet AR Mode: Scan the QR code below using your mobile camera, select "Scan Marker." The 3D model will appear in the middle of the marker. You will need to pinch and zoom. You also may find that changing the orientation of the device helps.