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Yanhong Li, Bill Bapisch, Jenny Phu, Thomas Weber, Heinrich Hussmann
Study Marbles: A Wearable Light for Online Collaborative Learning in Video Meetings
18th IFIP TC13 International Conference On Human-Computer interaction (INTERACT 2021)

Video meetings gained popularity for remote communication, both for work and education. As a result, collaborative online learning has become increasingly widespread. However, it is a challenge to make students feel engaged and connected during video meetings. In this study, we addressed this problem with a prototype for a wearable user interface called Study Marbles. It aimed to create a more social and active sense of remote, collaborative learning in video conferences. Our device is a tangible necklace with attachable, illuminated marbles that can be worn during video meetings. It could visualize students' learning status, moderate group discussions, and enable voting. The user study showed that participants perceived our prototype as a good way to create a more active and connected environment and to improve the interaction between group members in video conferences.