Using mobile computing to enhance field study

  • Authors:
  • Robert Rieger;Geraldine Gay

  • Affiliations:
  • Interactive Media Group, Department of Communication, Cornell University;Interactive Media Group, Department of Communication, Cornell University

  • Venue:
  • CSCL '97 Proceedings of the 2nd international conference on Computer support for collaborative learning
  • Year:
  • 1997

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Abstract

Our research explores the pedagogical, technical, and evaluative issues surrounding the use of a new generation of hand-held, highly portable computers for teaching in the natural sciences. A primary goal is to develop pilot curricula that bring multimedia resources to the outdoor laboratory. Prototypes are being developed for data retrieval and input. It is hypothesized that learners will flourish in situations that provide an opportunity to test skills and theories in the "just-in-time" and "nomadic" field context in which they are used. Can computers enrich the outdoor, field experience by supporting team collaboration for students and teaching staff? This paper sets the background for the mobile computing research project we have initiated, and describes two prototype field applications developed for mobile learning environments.