Collaborative learning skills in multi-touch tables for UML software design

Abstract

The use of multi-touch interfaces for collaborative learning has received significant attention. Their ability to synchronously accommodate multiple users is an advantage in co-located collaborative design tasks. This paper explores the multi-touch interface’s potential in collaborative Unified Modeling Language diagramming by comparing it to a PC-based tool, looking at the collaborative learning skills and amount of physical interactions in both conditions. The results show that even though participants talked more in the PC-based condition, the use of the multi-touch table increased the amount of physical interactions, and encouraged the “creative conflict” skills amongst the team members.