ALASKA: Applet and Library Augmented Shared Knowledge Areas (Shared Workspace Project or Shared Spaces with Agents and Actors)

Abstract : SRI completed the following tasks during this project: 1. A user test on a preliminary version of the ALASKA software. 2. A series of user tests conducted at SRI with pre-calculus students from a local community college. 3. Contributed to the technological capabilities of the ALASKA system. 4. Created designs for potential implementations of ALASKA representations. 5. Advised on, and helping to organize, a set of AgileViz workshops conducted at AIED and CSCL. 6. Analyzed video to explore where the ALASKA system could be used to improve teacher and student performance. 7. Advised on a formative interaction and engagement study. 8. Aided in the creation of designs for the formative interaction and engagement study. 9. Was a key partner in carrying out the formative interaction and engagement study. 10. Submission of a report on the formative interaction and engagement study. Findings from task 10: Teachers were unanimous in their concern about using technology that might interfere with face-to-face interactions with students. All the teachers agreed that some of the information that can only be presented via technology would be valuable in real-time as they are teaching. Teachers suggested a large projected screen at the back or side of the room.