Enhancing Research Skills in Engineering Education Through Collaborative Digital Tools and Live Experimental Sessions

This paper investigates the use of digital collaborative tools and live streaming systems to support student initiation into scientific research. A Computer-Supported Cooperative Work in Design (CSCWD) system was implemented to aid two key phases: collaborative planning in a digital workspace and experimental execution in laboratories. In the first phase, multitouch surfaces enabled students to collaboratively define research problems and protocols, fostering idea generation and consensus building. The second phase utilized video capture and streaming systems for documentation and remote participation in experiments. While these tools showed potential, challenges such as camera resolution, latency, and feedback limitations emerged. Initial findings suggest these technologies support research skill development, but further improvements are needed to enhance usability and engagement for both local and remote participants. Future work will focus on addressing these technical and interaction challenges to better support hybrid learning environments.