Remote Collaborative Multi-user Informal Learning Experiences: Design and Evaluation

Abstract

Abstract. This paper presents a customizable system used to develop a collaborative multi-user problem solving game. It addresses the increasing demand for appealing informal learning experiences in museum-like settings. The system facilitates remote collaboration by allowing groups of learners to communicate through a videoconferencing system and by allowing them to simultaneously interact through a shared multi-touch interactive surface. A user study with 20 user groups indicates that the game facilitates collaboration between local and remote groups of learners. The videoconference and multitouch surface acted as communication channels, attracted students' interest, facilitated engagement, and promoted inter-and intra-group collaborationfavoring intra-group collaboration. Our findings suggest that augmenting videoconferencing systems with a shared multitouch space offers new possibilities and scenarios for remote collaborative environments and collaborative learning.

A framework for cooperative communication game mechanics from grounded theory

“…Games represent one such context. Players in a cooperative games work together to solve problems, where the game highlights contribution, challenge, and fun [1,39]. Playing in a CVE has been recognized as increasing technical playing ability; the collaborative aspect allows players to explore games with the backing of a social infrastructure, which creates a strong bond between players [3].…”