Mixed artefacts as mediators for collaborative learning

eLearningLab at Aalborg University conduct teaching and research in the intersection between Human Computer Interaction (technology), Information architecture (organization) and learning and development (human action). Inspired by the lay out of workshops spaces at architecture schools, eLearningLab has build a lab with both tangible materials and digital touch technologies arranged in a room with various forms of furniture to stimulate movement and ways of positioning the body other than sitting on a conventional chair. The overall purpose of this design lab is to facilitate teaching-through-construction as part of the
Problem Based Learning pedagogy, and to increase students‘ awareness of the role of embodied interaction in learning. Simultaneously the Lab facilitates design of prototypes and exploration of use situations within the fields of Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Supported Cooperative Work and Computer Supported Collaborative Learning. This paper
presents the ideas behind the eLearning Lab‘s DesignLab.