The “Edutab Box”: A Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning System — Practical Activities and Future Directions

Introduction

Attempts to use Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in the field of education have been in progress since the 1980s, when Personal Computer (PC) usage began to spread. Initially, the use of applications such as Logo (Stahl et al., 2014) was mainstreamed using a stand-alone desktop PC. In the 1990s, the Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) system was also developed as a system designed to support collaborative/active learning (Stahl et al., 2014). But there are few in regular public schools.

To introduce CSCL system in regular public schools, there are at least three issues:

• 1.

  The system is expensive,

• 2.

  The system only works in a computer (PC) room, and

• 3.

  There are teachers who are not good at ICT.

The “Edutab system” that the authors are developing is a system that can solve the above issues.

First, the “Edutab box”—which is the basic component of the “Edutab system”—is implemented using the Raspberry Pi (Raspberry Pi, 2019), shown in Figure 1. Raspberry Pi is widespread throughout the world and can be purchased cheaply and easily. And the developed “Edutab system” is integrated into a micro SD card. Therefore, it can be used simply by inserting a micro SD card into the Raspberry Pi and turning on the power.

Figure 1.

Picture of the “Edutab box”

Second, the “Edutab box” provides an autonomous Wi-Fi network without any extra devices. Since the “Edutab box” has a functional wireless access point, the authors don’t need to construct a new network in the classroom. In addition, since the system is built by using Web technology, the Web server in the “Edutab box” is accessed from the browser of a tablet terminal or a smartphone. Therefore, it is possible to freely lay out the arrangement of desks, regardless of the place of use—such as a classroom or library room.

Third, since this study is premised on the use of tablet terminals, its operation is easy. It has been confirmed in the authors’ previous research that even second graders have a user interface that can be fully utilized (Ohshima et al., 2016). Even teachers who are not good at ICT do not have many problems with its operation.

The “Edutab box” has been developed as an easy-to-use tool for teachers and a tool that can improve the skills of teachers. It is based on the concept of the “Toolbox for Teachers.” It can be used as a CAI and CSCL system. However, since it has been developed with JavaScript, games are also provided as teaching materials. Furthermore, since it has been developed using Internet technology, it can be used in distance learning.In a face-to-face collaborative/active learning, it is difficult for teachers to know whose learners and which work should most frequently be checked and attended to with the greatest care. The research clarifying this kind of issue for teachers is still insufficient, we aim to solve this problem by taking the approach to using Artificial Intelligence (AI). Currently, the present authors are developing the various functionalities of AI and trying to implement into the “Edutab box.” In addition, practical usage of the “Edutab box” is also in progress; and examples of class practice are increasing year by year.

Newly developing “Edutab system” has now the following wonderful characteristics;

• •

  Its development has been fulfilled at low cost.

• •

  It can be used easily.

• •

  It does not require a desktop PC.

• •

  It is useable by teachers who are not good at ICT skills.

• •

  It supports a variety of problems that may arise in the case of face-to-face collaborative learning.