Technology-enhanced learning environments: A Case Study on 2 the Effectiveness of Build_3D for PC and Smartphone Hard-3 ware Assembly"

Teaching PC and smartphone hardware assembly faces a significant challenge in educational contexts with limited access to physical laboratories or real equipment. This limitation hinders hands-on learning, which is essential for developing technical skills in engineering and related field students. Although digital simulators and tutorials have been implemented as a solution, many of these resources fail to offer immersive experiences or foster deep understanding due to their low interactivity or lack of immediate feedback. In response to this problem, we propose a Mixed Reality (MR)-based educational application, called Build_3D, designed for use with the Meta Quest 3 headset. This tool allows students to interact in a three-dimensional environment with virtual hardware components, experiencing the assembly process visually, tactilely, and autonomously. To evaluate its effectiveness, a quasi-experimental study was conducted with a control group that used traditional methods and an experimental group that worked with the application. The results indicated a significant improvement in the academic performance of the experimental group, attributed to the immersive and interactive nature of the MR experience. Furthermore, students reported high satisfaction, especially in terms of the interface, clarity of information, and ease of use. These findings suggest that integrating MR into educational environments can overcome physical barriers, promote active learning, and strengthen students' technical understanding. The proposed solution not only improves academic performance but also represents a viable and scalable model for modernizing practical teaching in higher education, especially in technological disciplines.