Assessment of Collaborative Problem Solving Using Linear Equations on a Tangible Tabletop

Abstract

Using Tangible User Interfaces (TUI) for assessing collaborative problems has only been marginally investigated in technology-based assessment. Our first empirical studies focused on light-weight performance measurements, usability, user experience, and gesture analysis to increase our understanding of how people interact with TUI in an assessment context. In this paper we propose a new approach for assessing individual skills for collaborative problem solving using the MicroDYN methodology with TUIs. These so-called MicroDYN items are high quality and designed to assess individual problem solving skills. The items are based on linear structural equations. We describe how this approach was applied to create an assessment item for a collaborative setting with children that implements a simplified model of climate change using the knowledge of the previous studies. Finally, we propose a series of research questions as well as a future empirical study.