Posture and face detection with dynamic thumbnail views for collaborative distance learning

Abstract

In this paper, we describe the use of a collaborative TERAKOYA learning system developed to help students actively study anywhere on a local area network (LAN) linked to multipoint remote users. In this environment, if many students send questions to a teacher, it is difficult for the teacher to provide answers quickly; furthermore, the teacher is largely unable to determine the degree to which each student has understood the course materials, because he or she cannot observe the students and their reactions in person. In this paper, we discuss a graphical user interface (GUI) system that prioritizes student screens by changing the GUI on the teacher's computer; more specifically, thumbnails of student screens zoom dynamically in proportion to each student's understanding level. By sorting these priorities on his or her screen, the teacher can observe each student's work and support their thinking process at each student's individual pace. © 2014 Springer International Publishing.