Tangible-Based Assessment of Collaborative Problem Solving

Abstract

Using Tangible User Interfaces (TUI) for assessing collaborative problems has only been marginally investigated in technology-based assessment. Our first empirical studies focused on light-weight performance measurements, usability, user experience, and gesture analysis to increase our understanding of how people interact with TUI in an assessment context. In this paper we present three of those studies: a windmill scenario where users can learn about the dynamics of energy generation using wind power; a traffic simulator educating the audience on the impacts of different traffic parameters on its fluidity; and a simple climate change scenario allowing children to comprehend the relation between their family's behaviour and its effect on CO2 levels. The paper concludes each scenario by presenting assessment methodologies and observed learning outcome. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014.