Project type: Master Project

University: University of Bremen

Term: April 2006 - March 2007

Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Schelhowe

Students: 13 

Web-Link: http://www.green-bubble.com

Abstract:

The project group developed an interactive application that focuses on children’s learning. Within the wide area of education, the system in particular takes into account ways to enhance children's social and emotional skills. LET IT OUT!

Description:

The GreenBubble Project concentrates efforts on the development of an application for children between 6 and 10 years old, which reacts to full- body movement and sound. A virtual companion called “Mimo”, abstract on its shape and shown on a projection area in front of the children, will detect the child motion using a web cam and a microphone. After the detected input, “Mimo” will evolve from a basic abstract shape executing variations in its colours, movements, sounds and general looks. The motion and sounds from the kid will be directly connected to all of “Mimo’s” responses and changes. As the kid interacts with his virtual companion, he will be able to decode the way of behaviour and response shown by “Mimo”, enabling proper thinking on the pupil for obtaining possible results or actions.

Technology, if used appropriately in a certain context, can definitely support children in their development and learning. However, in the context of our system, “learning” is less connected with abstract terms like “knowledge”. Instead, we aim for supporting the development of qualities like creativity, self assurance, using the own body for expression, putting oneself in somebody else’s position, self-awareness or reflecting own behavior.