Learning in Action

Gaming SMALLab
A collaborative, inquiry-based learning platform, SMALLab supports situated and embodied learning by empowering the physical body to function as an expressive interface. Within SMALLab, participants use wireless controllers to interact with each other and with media rich content through full body movements and gestures. SMALLab's open, cube-like framework and light, unencumbered controllers encourage participants to move in and out of the physical interaction space freely. This fluid mix of real and virtual worlds fosters teamwork, active engagement and complex problem-solving between participants in and around the space. Using a custom designed authoring environment, participants can develop scenarios and then interact with them in real time—seeing and hearing the projected sound and image and feeling their physical movements bring their ideas to life. As a mixed-reality, game-like learning tool, SMALLab's platform is primed to play a significant role in the school Quest to Learn's future, targeting changes in the way kids are learning, constructing identity, making decisions, participating, and creating.

SMALLab is supported through a collaboration between the Institute of Play and Arizona State University’s K-12 Embodied Media and Learning group. It is funded through a generous grant from Intel.

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