The EcoRaft project: a multi-device interactive graphical exhibit for learning about restoration ecology

Authors:
Bill Tomlinson;Man Lok Yau;Eric Baumer;Sara Goetz;Lynn Carpenter;Riley Pratt;Kristin Young;Calen May-Tobin
Affiliations:
University of California, Irvine, CA;University of California, Irvine, CA;University of California, Irvine, CA;University of California, Irvine, CA;University of California, Irvine, CA;University of California, Irvine, CA;University of California, Irvine, CA;University of California, Irvine, CA
Venue:
CHI '06 Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems
Year:
2006

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Abstract

The EcoRaft Project, an interactive installation designed to help children learn about restoration ecology, allows participants to engage physically with animated agents via a natural and intuitive interface. This physical engagement occurs when the agents transfer seamlessly from stationary computers to mobile devices, on which the agents are realized as quasi-physical manifestations. Utilizing tablet PCs to act simultaneously as objects in the physical world and as mobile virtual spaces, the system incorporates embodied mobile agents that increase levels of engagement. The project has been publicly shown at several venues, where over 2000 participants interacted with the system. This paper presents initial evaluation results based on interviews with participants indicating that the embodied, physical interaction in this installation leads to participant engagement and collaboration, and enhanced educational effectiveness.