Handheld devices with large shared display groupware: tools to facilitate group communication in one-to-one collaborative learning activities

One-to-one computing environments change and improve classroom dynamics since individual students can bring handheld devices fitted with wireless communication capabilities into the classrooms. However, the screens of handheld devices, being designed for individual-user mobile application, limit promotive interaction among groups of learners. The lack of a shared visual focus among group learners impedes group interactions and leads to fragmented and tete-a-tete communication patterns. This study proposes a shared display groupware and explores whether the use of shared displays in classrooms can augment the handheld devices and enhance the effectiveness of handheld devices in promoting communication among participants. Experiments confirmed that the proposed shared display groupware promoted shared understanding of the workspace and increased awareness of partner actions. Collaboration was boosted by creating the opportunity for students with handheld devices to perform ideal communication patterns and avoiding tete-a-tete and fragmented communication patterns.