Mobile platforms for playful learning and interaction

In this paper, we present two mobile platforms in an interactive learning context for children. The first system is the BlueCube, a wirelessly networked tangible computer using acceleration sensors built into a cube, the second is a modern mobile phone with Bluetooth capabilities and J2ME support. Both devices use different input modalities for the same task: a supportive and general learning platform. We present the hardware platform built for the BlueCube and the system architecture. The goal of this work is to compare the impacts of both systems on the experience and learning success. We conclude by giving an outlook on the evaluation of the presented system in a real school.