Interactive Floor Support for Kinesthetic Interaction in Children Learning Environments

Abstract

This paper introduces a novel kinesthetic interaction technique for interactive floors. The interaction techniques utilize vision-based limb tracking on an interactive floor - a 12 m2 glass surface with bottom projection. The kinesthetic interaction technique has been developed for an interactive floor implemented in a school square. The paper discusses the kinesthetic interaction technique and its potentials in the domain of learning applications: Kinesthetic interaction supports body-kinesthetic learning as argued in the learning literature. Kinesthetic interaction is fun and motivating thus encourages children to explore and learn. Kinesthetic interaction on large display surfaces supports collaborative, co-located play and learning through communication and negotiation among the participants. Finally, the paper discusses prospects and challenges in development of kinesthetic interaction for interactive floors.