A System for Supporting Collaborative Learning by Integrating Physical and Virtual Worlds

到目前为止，我们已经设计了一个传感板，并建立了一个系统，支持小组学习的环境问题，在面对面的情况下。为了支持建设性的讨论，我们提出了一个系统，多个董事会，其中每一个是通过计算机网络连接。在这个系统中，学习者用物理块设计城镇的每个板位于不同的地方，但实际上与其他板相连：板上城镇的设计影响其相邻的板。学习者不仅要通过面对面的讨论在自己的棋盘上建造一个城镇，还要通过聊天系统与其他群体进行谈判，以确保其可持续性。为了提高学生的真实性，小学教师参加了系统的设计阶段。他们还设计了一个利用该系统的课程。评价证明，该系统可以使儿童的学习融入环境，提高他们的积极性和参与程度。

We have so far devised a sensing board and constructed a system for supporting group learning about environmental problems in face-to-face situations. In order to support constructive discussions, we propose a system with multiple boards, each of which is linked through computer network. In this system, each board where learners design a town with physical pieces is located in different places but is virtually connected with other boards : design of a town on a board influences upon its neighboring boards. Learners not only have to construct a town on their own board through face-to-face discussions, but also negotiate with other groups through chat systems for their sustainability.Evaluations of the system were carried out in an elementary school. In order to enhance authenticity for school children, teachers of the elemenlary school joined the design phases of the system. They also designed a curriculum which utilize the system. The evaluations proved that the system could contextualize children's learning, and raise the level of their motivation and engagement.