An Interaction Study of Learning with Handhelds and Large Shared-Displays in Technology-Enriched Collaborative Classroom

Collaborative learning is widely used in classroom activities. The screens of handheld devices, being designed for individual-user mobile application, limit promotive interaction among groups of learners. The small size of screen may lead to fragmented and tete-a-tete communication pattern, and frequently obstacle the externalization of student learning process. This study proposes a shared display groupware with handheld devices in order to support the externalization and articulation of student thinking. The groupware is designed for exploring whether the shared display system in classrooms can augment the handheld devices to promote the student articulation process and communication among participants.