The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium and WQED Multimedia teamed up last month to provide an innovative interactive learning program that will roll out nationally in September.
IQZoo gives children access to audio clips, video and other information about animals by using an Internet-enabled smartphone that can scan QR codes using a free mobile app. The Zoo put QR codes throughout the African Savanna, Tropical Forest and Water’s Edge.
It’s too early for data on usage, but iQZoo is expected to be very popular, especially since “kids are into using phones for everything,” said Zoo Public Relations Manager Tracy Gray.
‘Never done before’
WQED Multimedia developed iQZoo in-house, funded by a grant from PBS Interactive, said Jennifer Stancil, executive director of educational partnerships.
“We wanted to create something that could be relevant to kids in the moment when they’re asking questions and studying elephants and orangutans and polar bears, and provide the answers through PBS videos in a way never done before,” Stancil said.
There’s also a research component, being conducted with Carlow University about how families incorporate the technology during their visits to the Zoo. IQZoo will go national in September.
Pittsburgh Zoo, WQED team to teach with QR codes, smartphones - Pittsburgh Business Times
No comments:
Post a Comment