Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Tangible Interaction And Learning: The Case For A Hybrid Approach, Michael S. Horn, R. Jordan Crouser, Marina U. Bers

Computer Science: Faculty Publications

Research involving tangible interaction and children has often focused on how tangibles might sup- port or improve learning compared to more traditional methods. In this paper, we review three of our research studies involving tangible computer programming that have addressed this question in a variety of learning environments with a diverse population of children. Through these studies, we identify situations in which tangible interaction seems to offer advantages for learning; how- ever, we have also identify situations in which tangible interaction proves less useful and an alternative interaction style provides a more appropriate medium for learning. Thus, we advocate for …