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The spelling bee: an augmented physical block system that knows how to spell

Published: 13 June 2007 Publication History

Abstract

Physical games have always been with us. In this paper we explore the utility of adding tangible interfaces and embedded computing into a well known children's ABC spelling blocks game and thus enable it to offer intelligent, immediate and meaningful feedback to the players. We developed a prototype using simple low cost elements and tested it with five children aged 7 - 12. The children understood the functionality of the system almost immediately and found the game easy to use and familiar in appearance, yet at the same time it inspired them to try and spell words in order to elicit feedback. A number of problems were identified and possible solutions are offered.

References

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M. Eisenberg, A. Eisenberg, M. Gross, K. Kaowthumrong, N. Lee, & W. Lovett, Computationally-Enhanced Construction Kits for Children: Prototype and Principles, 2002, In Proceedings of ICLS (International Conference on the Learning Sciences), Seattle, WA.
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J.A. Kulik & C. C. Kulik, Timing of Feedback and Verbal Learning, Review of Educational Research, 58 (1988), 79--97.
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L. Plowman & R. Luckin (2003). Exploring and Mapping Interactivity with Digital Toy Technology: Summary of Findings. Report to ESRC/EPSRC, February 2003.
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S. Price & Y. Rogers, Let's get physical: The learning benefits of interacting in digitally augmented physical spaces, Computers & Education, 43 (2004), 137--151.
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Resnick, M. et al. {1996} Programmable Bricks: Toys to Think With. IBM Systems Journal, 35:3, pp. 443--452.
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M. Resnick, Edutainment? No Thanks. I prefer Playful Learning, Associazione Civita Report on Edutainment, 2004.
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I. Weevers, W. Sluis, C. van Schijndel, S. Fitrianie, L. Kolos-Mazuryk and J.B. Martens, Read-It: A Multi-modal Tangible Interface for Children Who Learn to Read, Lecture Notes In Computer Science, 2004.
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  • (2024)The Age-Reward Perspective: A Systematic Review of Reward Mechanisms in Serious Games for Older PeopleProceedings of the 2024 ACM International Conference on Interactive Media Experiences10.1145/3639701.3656327(168-181)Online publication date: 7-Jun-2024
  • (2023)Applied the augmented reality technology combined with social stories strategies and computational thinking games to improve the social skills of children with ASDInteractive Learning Environments10.1080/10494820.2023.225894232:10(6346-6374)Online publication date: 12-Oct-2023
  • (2022)Robotic Musicianship Based on Least Squares and Sequence Generative Adversarial NetworksIEEE Sensors Journal10.1109/JSEN.2021.306620022:18(17646-17654)Online publication date: 15-Sep-2022
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      cover image ACM Conferences
      ACE '07: Proceedings of the international conference on Advances in computer entertainment technology
      June 2007
      324 pages
      ISBN:9781595936400
      DOI:10.1145/1255047
      Permission to make digital or hard copies of all or part of this work for personal or classroom use is granted without fee provided that copies are not made or distributed for profit or commercial advantage and that copies bear this notice and the full citation on the first page. Copyrights for components of this work owned by others than ACM must be honored. Abstracting with credit is permitted. To copy otherwise, or republish, to post on servers or to redistribute to lists, requires prior specific permission and/or a fee. Request permissions from [email protected]

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      Published: 13 June 2007

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      Author Tags

      1. embedded intelligence
      2. multi-modal interfaces
      3. physical games
      4. tangible interfaces

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      View all
      • (2024)The Age-Reward Perspective: A Systematic Review of Reward Mechanisms in Serious Games for Older PeopleProceedings of the 2024 ACM International Conference on Interactive Media Experiences10.1145/3639701.3656327(168-181)Online publication date: 7-Jun-2024
      • (2023)Applied the augmented reality technology combined with social stories strategies and computational thinking games to improve the social skills of children with ASDInteractive Learning Environments10.1080/10494820.2023.225894232:10(6346-6374)Online publication date: 12-Oct-2023
      • (2022)Robotic Musicianship Based on Least Squares and Sequence Generative Adversarial NetworksIEEE Sensors Journal10.1109/JSEN.2021.306620022:18(17646-17654)Online publication date: 15-Sep-2022
      • (2020)Virtual Pheromone Based Network Flow Control For Modular Robotic SystemsElectronics10.3390/electronics90304819:3(481)Online publication date: 14-Mar-2020
      • (2020)Crocodile Language Friend: Tangibles to Foster Children's Language UseExtended Abstracts of the 2020 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems10.1145/3334480.3383031(1-14)Online publication date: 25-Apr-2020
      • (2018)Block TalksExtended Abstracts of the 2018 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems10.1145/3170427.3188576(1-6)Online publication date: 20-Apr-2018
      • (2017)Why Tangibility MattersProceedings of the 2017 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems10.1145/3025453.3026048(1805-1816)Online publication date: 2-May-2017
      • (2017)moreBots: System development and integration of an educational and entertainment modular robot2017 IEEE International Symposium on Robotics and Intelligent Sensors (IRIS)10.1109/IRIS.2017.8250101(74-80)Online publication date: Oct-2017
      • (2016)Design RationaleProceedings of the The 15th International Conference on Interaction Design and Children10.1145/2930674.2930690(101-112)Online publication date: 21-Jun-2016
      • (2016)Exploring the Design Space of Tangible Systems Supported for Early Reading Acquisition in Children with DyslexiaProceedings of the TEI '16: Tenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction10.1145/2839462.2854104(689-692)Online publication date: 14-Feb-2016
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