preliminary evaluation of a synchronous co-located educational simulation framework
We designed the MUSHI (Multi-User Simulation with Handheld Integration) framework to address two educational needs: (1) to help students learn about complex, multi-scalar systems, and (2) to help students collaborate with one another in small groups. The MUSHI system provides each student with a handheld computer that is wirelessly synchronized with a simulation running on a tablet PC computer. A group of students can interact with small-scale elements of the simulation via their personal handhelds, and can observe large-scale elements on the shared computer. Because this is a novel combination of devices, we conducted use trials with middle school students to explore issues surrounding multi-device representations, small-group collaboration, and equitable computing.
educational simulation multi-scalar systems complex systems multi-machine user interface mobile computing single-display groupware