A Contribution to Collaborative Learning Using iPads for

School ChildrenBenedikt Kienleitner, Martin Ebner

4th European Immersive Education Summit

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http://elearningblog.tugraz.at

.. is to use digital devices to connect the learners to strongly assist communication between peers. The fundamental idea is to develop a prototype-application where

learners can actively engage into collaborative work.

Research goal

Theoretical Background

• Collaborative Learning

• Educational Games

• Mobile Devices in Classroom

Idea

Overcome to major issues:

• Missing feedback for teachers (Overview about pupil’s performance)

• Lack of collaboration (Mobile devices tend to act as stand-alone devices)

Cloud / Webplatform act as central database

Learner iPad

Learner iPad

Learner iPad

Learner iPad

Teacher

Define questions/answers

Main Architecture I

Download exercises

Play the game

Main Architecture II

User Interface - Start Screen

User Interface - Login Form

User Interface - Start Game Screen

User Interface - Join Game Screen

User Interface - Main Screen

User Interface - Main Screen

First Field Study

Setting:

• Two primary schools / second classes with 15/18 pupils

• Two trials (groups of two and groups of four)

• Participatory observation

Observed aspects

• Children understood quickly the concept, were motivated

• Game was easy to use, enjoyable

• Steady communication between learners happened

• Children cooperated very well

• Connection failures, connection process difficult, password problems, drag & drop problems of letters

Results of Interviews

Question Mean

1. Did you like to play togehter? 1

2. Was the app easy to use? 1-2

3. Did you learn new words? 1

4. Was the difficulty of the game (words) ok? 1-3

5. Would you like to play again? 1

Children’s performance

groups of two

groups of four

Summary

• App fostered communication and collaboration

• Given the right setting, children support each other and work together

• The presentation as a game is more enjoyable

• There are few technical difficulties that need to be addressed.

http://schule.tugraz.at

Graz University of Technology

SOCIAL LEARNINGComputer and Information Services

Graz University of Technology

Martin Ebner

http://elearning.tugraz.atmartin.ebner@tugraz.at

Slides available at: http://elearningblog.tugraz.at

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