Our goal is to develop computational tools that facilitate collaborative
learning among students working in design teams.
The Kiva is a persistent interactive physical and digital workspace that
involves a collection of computer-based collaboration tools for students.
The Kiva can support non-collocated, as well as asynchronous collaboration
between multiple team members. These tools can be used as little or as much
as desired, in any combination.
At Carnegie Mellon, we are taking advantage of advances in computer technology
with new applications that support team-based student collaboration. Engineering
student design projects involve participants with different expertise and
experiences who must work together throughout a semester-long project. These
projects are collaborative in nature, i.e., teamwork is the primary work mode.
In these projects, students become involved in state-of-the-art research,
and they facilitate their own learning by developing the collaboration tools
they need.
The pedagogical goal for student engineering teams is to develop a design
process and to master a domain. What happens during the process is more important
than the final product. Hence, our focus is to develop tools that encourage process competence, constructive skills, and reflective practice.
For more information about the project or how to use the system, go through our
tutorial or read our
FAQ.
