Abstract
The aim of this chapter is to identify and introduce the most preferred applications by analyzing augmented reality applications used in master's theses and doctoral dissertations in Turkey. In order to achieve this aim, first of all, the concepts related to the Metaverse, which constituted the conceptual framework of the chapter, were explained by supporting them with the research findings obtained from the literature. Then, the AR development platforms, AR software development kits, AR applications, and the devices on which AR applications were run were examined in thesis studies within the scope of augmented reality accessed from the Council of Higher Education Thesis Archive. At the end of this chapter, Vuforia, ARCore, and Artivive Bridge software development kits are briefly introduced as the first three most frequently used AR software development kits in thesis studies accessed from the National Thesis Center Archive of the Council of Higher Education of Turkey.
TopIn the 21st century, with the increase in mobile technology ownership and the intensive use of web technologies internationally for communication purposes, individuals started to use digital environments to communicate. With the COVID-19 pandemic, interest in digital environments increased, it was seen that digital environments are a great necessity, and the effects of digital transformation began to be felt in social life. Digital transformation has facilitated the adoption of virtual environments in individual and community life. When virtual environments are used for educational purposes, they are transformed into virtual learning environments. Virtual learning environments are computer-designed environments where learners interact with the instructor, other learners or 3D virtual objects simultaneously through their avatars (Mroz, 2012).
The metaverse is an umbrella concept for the virtual environments that individuals use today for education, health, entertainment, shopping, marketing and communication purposes and can be defined as a fictional virtual reality universe (Yıldırım, 2021). In order to make sense of the metaverse, it is necessary to have knowledge about the concepts and technologies related to the metaverse. In the literature, 3D technologies can be associated with the metaverse. In this section, three-dimensional technologies such as augmented, virtual and mixed reality, blockchain, NFT, 5G and Web 3.0 technologies were mentioned.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Mixed Reality: The continuum of reality and virtuality, encompassing all AR and VR technologies from real to virtual environments.
AR Development Platform: Software for developing three-dimensional virtual objects and mobile augmented reality content.
Metaverse: Fictional virtual reality universe.
Augmented Reality: 3D technology that combines reality and virtuality by adding 3D virtual objects to the real environment and allows simultaneous interaction with virtual 3D objects.
AR Software Development Kit: Software that develops AR applications used to provide users with an augmented reality experience with 3D virtual objects on the screens of mobile devices.
Virtual Reality: 3D technology that allows people to interact with computer-generated three-dimensional objects as well as giving the feeling of being in a virtual environment that is not real in their minds by using head mounted displays, wearable technologies, glasses surrounding the eyes or smart contact lenses.