Project
The proposal was to develop an online Mobile Learning Adventure that enables institutions such as schools and training departments to design and implement their own mobile phone treasure hunts – activities that facilitate team-building and learning outside the traditional classroom environment by providing players with instructions and feedback via mobile technology.
Mobile Learning Adventure also known as Treasure Hunts can use text or multimedia and are offered in a variety of structures that can be tailored to fit any context. Clients write their own clues and define their own feedback and reward systems. Treasure hunts can be tested online using a simulator.
Players interact with the treasure hunt using mobile phone technology. For example, they may submit responses and request information; they may be given directions, clues, scores, and bonus questions. The experience might take one hour or take place over several days in different locations.
Application end-uses proposed by PE teachers from Hayling College were Athletics Tracker concept, a system for recording data in the field, enabling staff and pupils to access records online and a suggestion to include an SOS message board for pupils to use if they feel bullied.
Emerald funding enabled the building of a protoype of the Mobile Learning Adventure. On February 07, it was live online and fully functional with some of the tools tested however, the Mobile Learning Adventure requires extensive user testing, interface design and development before it becomes a marketable product. Further funding is required.