Tuple Spaces as a Foundation for Collaborative Learning
Classrooms equipped with wirelessly networked tablets and handhelds can engage students in powerful collaborative learning activities that are otherwise impractical or impossible. Modern educational activities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) curricula require learners to take roles, contribute ideas, solve aspects of a larger problem, and work together as a team. These activities imply systematic coordination of learner participation. To date, research and development in mobile learning has focused mostly on single-purpose tools in support of particular activities. A more desirable solution would be a general-purpose system that can play a range of roles, so that teachers and students need only learn and invest in one primary kind of classroom connectivity.
Working with Virginia Tech and Christopher Newport Univerisity, The Tuple Spaces project identified characteristics of computational platforms that not only enable the implementation of coordinated networked learning activities but also inspired the design of activities with high pedagogical value. This goal led us to a program of research where we identified basic enabling requirements for platforms, created competing platforms that satisfied these requirements, and then evaluated the pedagogical value of the activities that emerged from these platforms. The most satisfactory approach that emerged was the Group Scribbles system, a general-purpose graphical interface for the implementation and execution of collaborative learning activities.
9/2004 - 8/2006 (past)
Partners
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S. Ray Chaudhury
Norfolk State University -
Deborah Tatar
Virginia Tech
Publications
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Brecht, J., DiGiano, C., Patton, C., Tatar, D., Chaudhury, R., Roschelle, J., & Davis, K. (2007). Coordinating networked learning activities with a general-purpose Interface. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning.
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Roschelle, J., Patton, C., Tatar, D. (2007). Designing networked handheld devices to enhance school learning. In M. Zelkowitz, Ed. Advances in Computers, 70, 1-60.
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Roschelle, J., Tatar, D., Chaudhury, R., Dimitriadis, Y., Patton, C., & DiGiano, C. (2007). Ink, improvisation, and interactive engagement: Learning with tablets. Computer, 40(9), 42-48.
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Chan, T., Roschelle, J., Hsi, S., Kinshuk, Sharples, M., Brown, T., Patton, C., Cherniavsky, J., Pea, R., Norris, C., Soloway, E., Balacheff, N., Scardamalia, M., Dillenbourg, P., Looi, C., Milrad, M., & Hoppe, U. (2006). One-to-one technology-enhanced learning: An opportunity for global research collaboration. Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning, 1(1), 3-29.
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Research Areas
Learning Environments
Technology Development
Keywords
Community & Collaboration
CSCL
handhelds
Tablet PC
wireless communication