Blockmagic, a hybrid educational environment based on RFID technology and internet of things concepts

Abstract

The new improvements of ICT technologies allow the opportunity to use these tools in the learning context and create smart environments for children and teachers in schools. In this paper, we present Block Magic (BM), a tool that exploits the Internet of Things theory using RFID technology. This tool allows the children to play traditionally with well-known didactic materials, the traditional Logic Blocks, but in connection with a PC and a dedicated software that increase the interaction. BM stimulates different learning activities for specific skills as mathematics, logic, language, problem solving and creativity. This low-cost and user-friendly technology allows enhancing the learning/ teaching session due to the software feedbacks and the session tracker. The software is able to track the sessions of each child, and supporting the learner with a hidden Adaptive Tutoring System (ATS) that presents to the children the right exercises, based on the learners’ replies. BM was tested in four different countries (Germany, Spain, Italy and Greece) in the kindergartens and the primary schools, the target groups were in the range 3–7 years old. The tool was tested in a larger scale evaluation that involved 22 teachers and 495 children. The results shows a high degree of acceptability; that appreciated the concept and the innovation features. The trials showed some issues to be fixed, as the usability. BM was a research developed in the framework of a funded by the EU Commission.