TR-2002004: On the Effectiveness of Tangible Interfaces in Collaborative Learning Environments
Lori L. Scarlatos, Shalva S. Landy, Julia Breban, Robin Horowitz, Chanie Sandberg · CUNY Academic Works (City University of New York) · 2002
The advent of tangible interfaces has greatly expanded the many possible ways that one may interact with a computer.TICLE (Tangible Interfaces for Collaborative Learning Environments) is a project that explores new ways that a computer can enhance learning by responding to students' actions in a physical environment.We have developed a prototype system that watches children as they play with a Tangram puzzle on a physical tabletop, and acts as a guide on the side by offering help at appropriate times.This system is currently installed at the Goudreau Museum of Mathematics in Art and Science.This paper describes the results of two usability tests conducted at the museum.Our study suggests that the TICLE interface helps children to stay focused, think about the problem in new ways, and complete the problem at hand.It also suggests that TICLE may help children to develop problem-solving skills that transfer to similar problems.This demonstrates that a computer "guide on the side" working in conjunction with a tangible interface can be effective in an educational setting.