I-guides in progress: two prototype applications for museum educators and visitors using wireless technologies to support science learning

We describe I-Guides, an information technology research project in progress at the Exploratorium, a hands-on museum of science, art, and human perception. Building upon the findings from the Electronic Guidebook Project [Hsi, 2003], various configurations of RFID technologies, handheld computers, and network-based applications are being developed to support nomadic inquiry and extend the museum experience for two different audiences: museum visitors and museum educators. For museum visitors, this project is exploring ways to enable visitors to intentionally capture their museum experiences for later reflection and investigation of personally relevant science ideas via the Web. For museum educators, this project is designing a wireless handheld Web resource and digital library infrastructure to support educators in making effective uses of exhibits and exhibit-based content for inquiry-based teaching. An overview of research as well as planned design studies, working prototypes, and evaluation activities are described.