From information to experience: Place-based augmented reality games as a model for learning in a globally networked society

New information technologies make information available just-in-time and on demand and are reshaping how we interact with information, but schools remain in a print-based culture, and a growing number of students are disaffiliating from traditional school. New methods of instruction are needed that are suited to the digital age. The purpose of this study is to explore how curricula that are designed to capitalize on the affordances of mobile media might be employed in schools. The study took place during a 2-week unit in a poor urban school district with roughly 50 at-risk middle school students. The partnering teacher adapted the model curriculum, which involved students investigating a rash of illnesses originating from a popular local beach.