The GeoHistorian Project
What is the GeoHistorian Project?
The Geo-Historian project is based on work in the areas of ubiquitous computing and mobile learning that focuses on the use of mobile technologies to break down the barriers between schools and society. The goals of the Geo-Historian project are to
- investigate mobile phones as educational tools inside and outside of the classroom;
- reduce the barriers between schools and community resources such as zoos and museums; and
- give students the opportunity to create digital resources for their community.
The project utilizes wireless mobile technologies to link classrooms with local historical landmarks. Technologies include mobile phones with video capturing capabilities, built-in GPS, wireless Internet access, and Internet-based media sharing sites such as PocketCaster. Using these technologies allows students to become video historians, creating and sharing a living history of real people and real places.
(Click here for WMV and mp4 versions of this video)
This project is still in its early stages. We have been successful in using mobile phones for content creation and upload to the Internet. We are currently investigating how we can incorporate the use of QR (Quick Response) or two-dimensional bar codes as a way in which to deliver student-created digital content within its physical context and to allow for distribution of this content to a wider audience.
The Geo-Historian Project was showcased at the SIGML Forum of the NECC 2009 Conference..
Related Publications and Presentations
Presentations
McNeal, T., & van 't Hooft, M. (February 2010). Using QR codes and mobile phones for learning. Presentation at the 2010 eTech Ohio Conference. Columbus, OH. Link to PowerPoint presentation
van 't Hooft, M., & McNeal, T. (June 2009). SIGML Forum. Forum activity at the Washington DC World War II Memorial for the 2009 NECC Conference. Washington DC (see video above).
van ‘t Hooft, M., & McNeal, T. (March 2009). The GeoHistorian Project. Presentation at the 3rd WLE Mobile Learning Symposium: Mobile Learning Cultures across Education, Work, and Leisure. London, UK.
McNeal, T., & van ‘t Hooft, M. (October 2008). Students as content-creators: The Geo-Historian Project. Presentation at Handheld Learning 2008, London, UK. (click here to see the video)
Media Coverage
Parry, M. (2010, Feb. 4). Students will become 'Geohistorians' in Kent State U. cellphone project. Chronicle of Higher Education