Collaborative Learning Skills in Multi-touch Tables for UML Software Design

Abstract

The use of Multi-touch interfaces for collaborative learning has received significant attention. Their ability to synchronously accommodate multiple users is an advantage in co-located collaborative design tasks. This paper explores the Multi-touch interface’s potential in collaborative Unified Modeling Language diagramming by comparing it to a PC-based tool, looking at the Collaborative Learning Skills and amount of physical interactions in both conditions. The results show that even though participants talked more in the PC-based condition, the use of the Multi-touch table increased the amount of physical interactions, and encouraged the “Creative Conflict” skills amongst the team members.