The effect of representation location on interaction in a tangible learning environment

Drawing on the ‘representation’ TUI framework [21], this paper reports a study that investigated the concept of ‘representation location’ and its effect on interaction and learning. A reacTIVision-based tangible interface was designed and developed to support children learning about the behaviour of light. Children aged eleven years worked with the environment in groups of three. Findings suggest that different representation locations lend themselves to t levels of abstraction and engender different forms and levels of activity, particularly with respect to speed of dynamics and differences in group awareness. Furthermore, the studies illustrated interaction effects according to different physical correspondence metaphors used, particularly with respect to combining familiar physical objects with digital–based table-top representation. The implications of these findings for learning are discussed. Keywords Tangible interface, representation, children, learning.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2009
• Where: TEI
• Authors: Sara Price, Taciana Pontual Falcão, Jennifer G. Sheridan, George Roussos
• Keywords: Hardware, Keywords Tangible Interface, ReacTIVision-based Tangible Interface, Tangible Interface, TEI 2009