Designing educational experiences using ubiquitous technology

• Published in: Computers in human behavior Vol. 22; no. 1; pp. 67 - 76
• Main Authors: Joiner, Richard, Nethercott, Jessica, Hull, Richard, Reid, Jo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 2006
• Subjects: Intrinsic motivation; Learning; Location based games; Ubiquitous technology; Learning; Intrinsic motivation; Ubiquitous technology; Location based games
• ISSN: 0747-5632; 1873-7692
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2005.01.001

The aim of the study was to explore the design of situated educational and compelling experiences using SoundScape technology – which is a ubiquitous technology. Two experiences were designed: one that had a goal and the other that did not. Twenty six children then explored both experiences. The children found that the SoundScape with a goal was more interesting and were more likely to want to have another go than the non-goal version. They also made more positive comments concerning the goal version. Mentioning the presence of a goal as important factor in determining why they liked the game. More negative comments were made concerning the non-goal version and the children mentioned the lack of a goal as negative aspect of the non-goal version. One improvement they suggested for the non-goal version was to add a goal and to include more sensory stimulation. They overwhelmingly preferred the goal version compared to the non-goal version and when asked by far the most popular reason was the presence of a goal.