Refining Rules Learning Using Evolutionary PD

Abstract

Using glyphs to associate digital media with physical materials has great potential to enhance learning. A key challenge, however, lies in enabling children to author their own glyphs that integrate well with their drawings. One possible solution lies in the d-touch system which uses a topological approach to structuring glyphs. Through a series of Participatory Design studies, we have explored how children can be supported in creating their own d-touch glyphs. Main highlights from our findings indicate that it is difficult for children to create glyphs following only written rules. A structured diagrammatic approach is then introduced in which colour-coded hierarchy diagrams support a mapping between their drawings and the underlying rules. We found this has significantly improved their drawing attempts. The paper then concludes with a potential to integrate the approach into more sophisticated learning experience.