Mobile Tech at Interpretive Sites

Posted on February 18, 2012 by Brian Cain
GPTrex Adventures: Founders Quest

Founders Quest

Mobile is a hot topic and I’m particularly interested in ways in which mobile tech can be used to engage audiences in community and cultural sites. It looks like we’ll have both content experts, informal educators, and mobile tech solutions represented (e.g. GPTrex, NextExitHistory, etc.), so this could be a great discussion.

It’s easy to connect digital content or “next steps” via QR codes, Google Earth, and such. How do we take the next step to use this great mobile tech to get folks to actually interact with the resource(s) in front of them? How do we extend this experience beyond the itty bitty smartphone screen? How do we attract and engage folks in learning? How do we give them more to explore?

I have seen a lot of success with using games to engage learners (e.g. UNC Chapel Hill’s Games4Learning program). I would love to hear how others approach this challenge.

Categories: Session Proposal | Tags: , , , , , |

About Brian Cain

As an educator and digital media designer, Brian is always looking for new ways to use technology to engage learners. His experience has included both formal education (classroom science teacher for grades 1-6 & 12) and non-formal education (interpretive programming for Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Zoo Atlanta, and the Georgia Aquarium). He is a long-time member of the National Association for Interpretation (NAI), and is a Certified Interpretive Guide, Trainer, and Planner. Brian currently provides web design for local clients and develops adventures for GPTrex Adventures, a location-based smartphone app the helps families explore community and cultural sites.

1 Response to Mobile Tech at Interpretive Sites

  1. Wilhelmina Randtke says:
    February 18, 2012 at 9:26 pm

    Just looking at what APIs exist to tie into could be useful. I’ve never done anything using the Google Maps API, but getting your experiences with it (since it sounds like you used it some) could be good for me to spot when it’s a good tool. I’ll try and ask you about this, if I see you.

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