Title: Tangible user interfaces for learning

Authors: Milena S. Markova; Stephanie Wilson; Simone Stumpf

Addresses: City University London, Northampton Square, London, EC1V 0HB, UK ' City University London, Northampton Square, London, EC1V 0HB, UK ' City University London, Northampton Square, London, EC1V 0HB, UK

Abstract: Tangible User Interfaces (TUIs), systems characterised by the embodiment of interaction in physical objects, have attracted general interest but have not yet been widely adopted for learning. Employing these kinds of novel technologies could yield substantial benefits to learners. This paper provides a review of state-of-the-art TUIs for learning, scoped by a revised definition of TUIs that serves to delineate and differentiate these from other kinds of interfaces. We propose a classification framework that attends to important aspects of TUIs for use in learning and review tangible systems within this classification to expose research and design gaps. Our work provides guidance for researchers and learning technologists to help identify potential research directions for TUIs for learning.

Keywords: TUIs; tangible user interfaces; classification frameworks; interaction; physical objects; novel technologies; tangible systems; research gaps; design gaps; researchers; learning technologists; technology enhanced learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTEL.2012.051578

International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 2012 Vol.4 No.3/4, pp.139 - 155

Received: 17 Mar 2012
Accepted: 09 Oct 2012
Published online: 31 Dec 2014 *

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