Location-based Mobile Applications to Experience Collective Memory

Abstract

Mobile learning technologies can provide an important added-value to cultural tourism by supporting visitors in their direct field experience. Providing engaging experiences is a key factor to the success of educational and entertainment products. We have researched how mobile gaming can help tourists and citizens enhancing their experience when interacting with Cultural Heritage. GeoJoko aims at designing and implementing context-based mobile games that will allow users to enhance their experience about Cultural Heritage and collective memory. The prototype includes location technologies that provide the location of each of the players in real time. Contents can be both streamed in real time over the infrastructure provided by the Public Administration within the "wireless cities" concept or downloaded to the mobile device of the player. This approach is innovative since it exploits the challenge of location-based serious games in order to implement a mobile learning service that supports the user understanding the elements of Cultural Heritage.