ParallelAR

AR app that uses an office analogy to represent parallel programming concepts

Learn the basics of parallel scheduling in a collaborative and engaging environment! ParallelAR aligns fundamental parallel scheduling and performance concepts with elements of a typical office to make visualizing and comprehension easier.

A set of printable flashcards are provided in the link below, where each represents a different type of scheduling policy or workload. ParallelAR recognizes and tracks these flashcards and brings the office analogy to life. By comparing the different configurations of flashcards, a user can see and feel the performance disparities.

This application is developed based on research into Augmented Reality (AR) technology for educational purposes, opposed to traditional teaching methods. The approach is to present concepts using analogies, to help students understand the principles of parallel programming.

It will need permission to use the camera on your android device so that the AR technology can recognize the flashcards and superimpose the 3D office onto the camera window in the application. Please accept the permission.

To Use:

1. Select one Scheduling Policy flashcard (yellow triangle border)

2. Select one Nature of Workload flashcard (purple striped border)

3. Place these next to the main flashcard, where the arrows are pointing.

4. Open ParallelAR and click Start.

5. Hold the camera over the chosen flashcards.

6. Once recognized, confirm your choices and let the app bring the office analogy to life.

The printable flashcards, Recommended Workflow, and more information can be found here: https://parallel.auckland.ac.nz/education/parallelar

Examples of the app running can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTniUCm8Xpapy0IlV-tRrBD0IWD2vlyZ4