RoomBugs: simulating insect infestations in elementary classrooms

Authors:
Michael Barron;Tom Moher;Jeff Maharry
Affiliations:
University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL;University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL;Galileo Scholastic Academy of Mathematics and Science, Chicago, IL
Venue:
CHI '06 Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems
Year:
2006

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Abstract

This paper presents research on a collaborative learning environment in an urban elementary science classroom. The application, called RoomBugs, simulates a dynamic ecosystem of insects within the physical space of a classroom. Using table-mounted tablet computers as "sand traps" that capture the foot-prints of virtual bugs walking across the screen, participants take on the role of scientists attempting to track and control the imagined insects that exist within their classroom walls. The simulation is designed to create authentic phenomenon without requiring heavy instrumentation.