Journal article
Experience-Based Learning Using Smartphones: The Explorer Project
eMinds, Vol.2(7), pp.1-20
2011
Abstract
The Explorer project provides self-directed, exploratory and educational activities for high school children using GPS enabled smartphones. The tours provide safe navigation of environmentally sensitive and remote locations and are based around curriculum learning objectives. Research conducted in the classroom has identified four productive pedagogy dimensions (intellectual quality, supportive classroom environment, recognition of difference, and connectedness). A fifth pedagogy category: 'experience-based learning' has been suggested as effective in addressing student's environmental attitudes and actions. The Explorer project responds directly to the educational need for this fifth pedagogy by developing smartphone delivered resources to support experience-based strategies to facilitate learning in natural environments. The project has developed GPS driven navigation software that guides students through educational tasks which are triggered by the student's proximity to field locations. Students can observe, collect, analyse and report data using the in-built camera, location services, text, handwriting and sketch entry, and the audio and video capabilities of the device. All data is made available to students via a secure server for inclusion in reports, assessment items and for sharing and blogging on social networking sites. This paper reports on the Explorer system architecture and presents results from a field trial which observed emergent student usage behaviour and retrieved qualitative feedback. The evaluation considers the delivery of field-based activities using the smartphone against traditional paper-based reporting to assess changes to learning outcomes and student attitudes toward the environment.
Details
- Title
- Experience-Based Learning Using Smartphones: The Explorer Project
- Authors
- Christian M Jones (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts and Social SciencesMatthew Willis (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
- Publication details
- eMinds, Vol.2(7), pp.1-20
- Publisher
- Universidad de Oviedo, Departamento de Informatica
- Date published
- 2011
- ISSN
- 1697-9613
- Organisation Unit
- School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Engage Research Lab; School of Law and Society
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450012702621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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