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LEARNING ON THE MOVE

05/04/2004

"Visitors might choose to listen to an artist explaining his/her thinking behind a painting, or a scientist explaining what their work means to them."

Learning on the Move, is a pioneering initiative, the largest of its kind in the UK, using special hand-held, touch-screen computers. It's being led by award-winning science and discovery centre, At-Bristol. They are working in partnership with the National Space Centre, Leicester and The Fitzwilliam Museum, the University of Cambridge's art museum. All three attractions have a strong reputation for developing and delivering innovative learning experiences for schools, families and adults.

The system is being supplied by Hypertag Ltd, based in Cambridge, a leader in "point and click" wireless technology. The company have developed a unique mobile interactive interpretation tool, which has already been trialled at the Fitzwilliam Museum.

The tool is a hand-held computer which, when pointed at an electronic tag close to a particular exhibit, can offer a host of relevant information including text, video, pictures and sound. Visitors can even email pictures and weblinks to themselves so that they can continue their learning journey back at home or in the classroom.

Catherine Aldridge, At-Bristol's Education Development Director, says: "Visitors might choose to listen to an artist explaining his/her thinking behind a painting, or a scientist explaining what their work means to them. The service will be tailored, so a user can choose the information they want at the level that is right for them."

NESTA's Acting Learning Director, Sarah Macnee, adds: "NESTA is always on the look-out for initiatives which pioneer new ways of learning, bringing audiences closer to science, technology and the arts and making the experience more enjoyable. We are also delighted to be developing a project which involves Hypertag, a company that has recognised the huge educational potential of their technology."

Learning on the Move has the potential to impact on all types of visitor attraction. As such, a thorough evaluation of visitors' experiences and learning outcomes is an integral part of the project.

For further information on Hypertag contact: Jonathan Morgan, Chief Executive, Hypertag Ltd, St John's Innovation Centre, Cowley Rd, Cambridge CB4 0WS.
Tel: 01223 306011, Mobile: 07779 793278, mail: jonathan.morgan@hypertag.com See additional news on website: www.hypertag.com

Hypertag Ltd has received investment from NESTA's Invention and Innovation programme to develop their business.