Adding Space and Senses to Mobile World Exploration

Abstract

This chapter focuses on adding spatial and sensory information to mobile technologies to augment the affordability of mobile world exploration by primary school children. It starts by analyzing the significance of space and senses in children's literacy and mobile learning applications. The opportunities and constraints associated with the use of mobile technologies for the exploration of senses and space within primary school learning activities are explored. The experience of the SchoolSenses@Internet project that designed a mobile application for creating georeferenced multisensory messages within a classroom collaborative environmental activity is described, highlighting the goals, development, and implementation processes. A study carried out over an academic year to investigate how children use GPS-equipped mobile phones to explore, create, and share multisensory geographic information is presented and analyzed to evaluate the use of mobile technology in environmental education and to assess learning achievements. The design and implementation process of the application is outlined, and the lessons learned are identified and summarized in the chapter.