Case Study Analysis on Collaborative Problem Solving Using a Tangible Interface

In our research within the “Gestures in Tangible User Interfaces” project we examine how gestural and speech behaviour while solving a collaborative problem on tangible interfaces has an effect on 21st Century skills. This paper presents an explorative case study where 15–22 year old pupils of a public school in Luxembourg solved a collaborative problem using a tangible user interface (TUI). The main goal of the study was to investigate the frequency and kinds of gestures and the link between the usage of gestures with collaboration and problem solving. At the end of the study, participants had to fill in three standard post-test questionnaires about workload and usability, the results of which are presented here and show that the use of a TUI as an educational medium was regarded as a straightforward and simple solution that many people could learn to use very quickly. This promising result is in line with our research vision, which is to include TUIs in a collaborative setting educational environment.