Learning abstract concepts through bodily engagement
Anja Hashagen, Corinne Büching, Heidi Schelhowe · 2009
The emergent discussion about embodiment offers new perspectives in Human-Computer-Interaction and needs further fundamental research in particular for its usefulness in the field of education. With our approach we want to use the concept to foster children's motivation to gain insight into the secrets of "intelligent" behavior of computer-generated artifacts. In this paper, our leading question is: Does bodily engagement support children in learning abstract models implemented through digital technologies better than through traditional software applications? We developed an installation Der Schwarm, which aims at motivating children to learn by whole body interaction as well as a learning software application Boids Regeln. We conducted and evaluated the study during a workshop with children aged 9-10 years. Finally we discuss the method and the results of this comparative, qualitative study.