Newsroom
Learn bird calls, mudskipper behaviour on the wireless trail
SINGAPORE, December 2007
Use wireless technology to get the kids out of the classroom so they can find out more among animals, plants and the environment.
This is the approach of the Interactive Learning Trail, set up by iCELL Network, a wireless ISP company in Singapore. One such trail was launched in August 2007 at the Sungei Buloh wetland reserve, and several more are expected in 2008.
iCELL Network wants to provide not just a secured wireless infrastructure for public surfing but "a dynamic learning environment so as to nurture a generation of ICT adopters", says CEO Ken Chua.
Wireless in the wetland
The learning trails are part of the IDA's EdVantage initiative. In August 2007, together with the Ministry of Education, IDA and iCELL Network, the National Parks Board launched the trail at Sungei Buloh.
The first of its kind in the region, "the wireless learning trail at Sungei Buloh is the latest of our initiatives to make the park's nature outreach programmes more engaging and exciting for youngsters", says National Parks CEO Ng Lang during the launch on Aug 25.
"This new initiative aims to bring our nature education programmes to youngsters using their tools and modes of learning," he adds.
Using Web cams installed on a very small laptop PC, the students are able to assess information on the 130-hectare wetland reserve by scanning the 2-D barcodes that are located strategically along the trail. They are then directed to content that are location-specific.
For example, students can listen to bird calls or observe the behaviour of mudskippers through videos streamed over the wireless network.
They are also prompted with stimulating questions on what they can see along the trail and even participate in various educational activities provided on their UMPC. This approach promotes learning in the outdoor classroom.
It also means that students are less dependent on human guides and teachers for their learning experience, leading to a truly "learn more and teach less" experience for the students.
Two more learning trails, one at Fort Canning Park and one at Waterloo Street, will be launched by the first quarter of 2008, with another seven more trails by end-2008.