Innovative Engagement: A Mass Transit Model for Informal Science Learning

根据NSF资助的一次会议的成果，该项目的主要研究者，一个由来自马萨诸塞州洛厄尔大学、马萨诸塞州波士顿大学、霍夫斯特拉大学、波士顿科学博物馆和其他专业人士正在实施一个全面的开发项目，以调查户外多媒体（OHMM）的影响展览上的成年人乘坐波士顿的地铁系统（“T”）。该项目的目标是设计，实施和研究OHMM模型的有效性，以自由选择科学学习我们不断变化的气候。一个由12个专门设计的标语牌、海报以及与展览内容链接的虚拟网络学习资源组成的旋转展览，每天将有超过42万名成年骑手沿着T的四条线路中的两条线路参加。整个轻轨系统的无线接入和智能手机的兴起代表了多种因素的汇合，使创新的参与形式成为可能。这项工作旨在测试这种非正式科学教育的新模式，并有可能在波士顿和全国其他城市推广。

Following on the outcomes of an NSF-funded conference to this project's principal investigator, a team of educators, scientists, and communication experts from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, University of Massachusetts Boston, Hofstra University, the Boston Museum of Science and other professionals is implementing a full-scale development project to investigate the impact of an Out-of-Home Multi-Media (OHMM) exhibit on adults riding Boston's subway system (the "T"). The project's goal is to design, implement, and study the efficacy of an OHMM model for free-choice science learning about our changing climate. A rotating exhibit of twelve specially designed placards, posters, as well as virtual, web-based learning resources linked to the exhibit content will potentially engage over 420,000 adult riders per day along two of the T's four lines. Wireless access throughout light rail systems and the rise of smart phones represent a confluence of factors making an innovative form of engagement possible. The work is positioned to test this new model for informal science education and potentially could be expanded in Boston and into other cities around the country.