Paulo Blikstein, William Rand, and Uri Wilensky. 2007. Just a cog in the machine: participatory robotics as a tool for understanding collaborative learning and decision-making. In Proceedings of the 8th international conference on Computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL’07), Clark A. Chinn, Gijsbert Erkens, and Sadhana Puntambekar (Eds.). International Society of the Learning Sciences 84-86.
Abstract
We will demonstrate the integration of a software-based multi-agent modeling platform with a participatory simulation environment and a real-time control system for a physical robotic agent. Both real and virtual participants will be able to act collaboratively in a simulation that will control a physical agent. The backbone of this demonstration is a widely used, freely available, mature modeling platform (NetLogo). We posit that this technological platform can be of use for researchers interested in investigating collaborative learning and decision-making, as well as to design collaborative learning activities. We will present preliminary findings from pilot studies with the tool.