Title: Mobile devices: a tool for tourism and learning at archaeological sites

Authors: Alex Ibáñez Etxeberria; Mikel Asensio; Naiara Vicent; José María Cuenca

Addresses: Departamento de Didáctica de las Ciencias Sociales, University of the Basque Country (EHU-UPV), 20018 San Sebastian, Spain. ' Departamento de Psicología Básica, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain. ' Departamento de Didáctica de las Ciencias Sociales, University of the Basque Country (EHU-UPV), 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain ' Departamento de Didactica de las Ciencias y Filosofía, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain

Abstract: The study analyses data obtained from the implementation of public programmes that utilise mobile devices at archaeological sites. The work documents that the two main uses for such devices are augmented reality (AR) and geocaching games involving GPS equipment. The paper notes the educational opportunities presented by the use of these devices. The work concludes that the programmes achieve good general results, are well rated by users, raise interest and are motivating. However, published ratings are limited and very descriptive, and evaluation standards are poor.

Keywords: mobile devices; archaeological sites; augmented reality; cultural heritage; cultural tourism; mobile learning; m-learning; informal learning; educational programmes; geocaching games; GPS; global positioning systems; mobile communications.

DOI: 10.1504/IJWBC.2012.044682

International Journal of Web Based Communities, 2012 Vol.8 No.1, pp.57 - 72

Published online: 20 Aug 2014 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article