Laker Beacons: An Interactive Learning Context

1. Laker Beacons: An Interactive Learning Context Gaetano Bruscino, Heather Rohr, Anna Shannon, and Khairunisa Sharif

2. Topic The Problem Physical learning environments often lack contextual information, specifically on and off campus at SUNY Oswego. Students and parents can benefit from prompts to learn about what resources are available in new areas, and iBeacons are the proposed method of sharing this information. As an overarching activity, it can also be designed to promote social collaboration among new students.

3. Context • Onsite at the location of the artifact or site being visited depending on the location of the Beacon. • Beacons facilitate an interactive learning context by keeping learners such as parents and potential students engaged in the material being presented (information about the sites/artifacts relating to the history and resources available in the city of Oswego as well as on campus). • Collaborative Learning: among peers, as well as contextual learning communities for researchers to study, • Target Learners: potential students, incoming freshman/transfer students, parents, faculty/staff of SUNY Oswego, anyone interested in City of Oswego • Constraints: inclement weather, transportation, limited parking, Beacons batteries, application being available and accessible to users of various abilities.

4. Learning Goals • Have a better understanding of the area • Discovery behind historical landmarks and areas • Location of important resources • Assistance with transportation off and on campus • Contribution or involvement with the community • Memories and experiences to bring back home

5. Activities • Scavenger Hunt (for Freshmen) • Learning SUNY Oswego’s history • Discovering professor’s contributions • Finding important resources for starting college • Shopping Activity • Venturing • Social Activity • Making friends and connections • Breaking the ice and socializing

6. Persona – A New College Student

7. Assessment Three Methods • Reflective Assessment • “Jot down some thoughts about your endeavor” • In-app Achievements • Achievement Badges based on records and statistics • Real-world Achievements • Earn an Expert title and use it towards becoming a Tour Guide

8. Tools, Resources, & Scaffolds Tools iBeacons, mobile phones, extra battery for mobile phones, Resources • Maps Application • Internet access • Orientation Guides Scaffolds Support that helps learners pursue their learning. • Orientation Guides • Splash Screen (app) • Map Key • Signage for Nearby Beacons

9. Beacon Diagram

10. App “Laker Beacons”