Investigating collaborative interaction using interactive table and IR devices

Abstract

Recently computers have proved to be great tools for different kinds of collaborative works. The use of computer in integrated learning system poses a challenge when is used to support collaborative learning activities for students while they sit in front of computer screens. Interactive Whiteboard (IWB) technology enhances this challenge by providing a large workspace with multimedia resources. Therefore, this research aimed to compare the efficacy used of computer-based and interactive table-based in face-face collaborative learning environment. As part of an ongoing, an interactive table was developed using a low-cost interactive whiteboard technology. This paper examines how such this technology impacts student's interaction in collaborative activity as compared to computer-based learning. It also included the experiment of IR (infrared) devices (IR pen and IR fingertip) which were used with interactive table. The findings show strength and weakness of both devices which will be beneficial for future interaction technique in IWB technology.