Multicolour sketch recognition in a learning environment

Virtual physics environments are becoming increasingly popular as a teaching tool for grade and high school level mechanical physics. While useful, these tools often offer a complex user interface, lacking the intuitive nature of the traditional whiteboard. Furthermore, the systems are often too advanced to be used by novices for further experimentation. In this paper we describe a physics learning environment using multicolour sketch recognition techniques on digital whiteboards. We argue that the use of coloured pens helps to resolve several ambiguities appearing in single colour sketching interfaces. The recognition system is based on a combination of support vector machines and rule based methods. The system was evaluated using a constructive interaction method, with users completing a set task.