Category Archives: Digital Tools

“What’s that?”

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Or “What’s the story behind that?”

For an interpreter learning a new resource, these can be dreaded questions?…but many times these are the moments and the questions that push us to learn more, so we have the answer…next time.

I’ve recently come across a very cool tool that has the possibility to be used in multiple ways within interpretation.  The format = Thinglink!    Photos and videos can now be interactive, and can be given an deeper understanding.  I borrowed this photo from a friend, she labeled it, “The Ranger Table”.   I gave it more context with Thinglink.

**My apologies…due to the limitations of OSU WordPress, a Thinglink embedding is not possible.  Here is the link to the interactive version of the below photo.

I could see using this at museums or historic sites as a training tool; creating an interactive educational resource to find the stories behind the artifacts.  Maybe, even creating interactive resource for visitors that may never have the opportunity to visit in person.  It also makes many resources available to those that might have mobility or accessibility issues.

What do you think?  Is anyone using similar technology?

The Struggle is Real…

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I’m pretty good at systematics of plants…UTSA Woody Plants and Biology of Flowering plants served me well!

But…and it’s a big but…I’m finding it very hard to classify and categorized digital technology.

If I’m using a screencast for training, should it be with the digital technologies or collaborative tools?   And what about Youtube, if I’ve just created a series of training videos, is that social media or collaborations?   Yes?!?   Oh the overlap!

Anyway, I just created a page for Diigo; my current favorite web site. It’s a place to bookmark, share, tag, and sort your favorite web sites, which could make it a soStar Wars Yoda Meme | REAL THE STRUGGLE IS... | image tagged in memes,star wars yoda | made w/ Imgflip meme makercial media site.   …but, I can create groups, say of coworkers, and we can share sites found while working on a project, that would make it a collaborative site.  So, is Diigo a social media site or a collaborative site?  See the struggle?

So, as I continue to explore and share, you may see links for the same tool or format in different categories, or linked to different categories, this way I don’t drive myself mad trying to make them fit into just one category.   …have patience with me…

That’s Outlandish!

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Are you fearing the future?                                                                                          (what happens when I can’t decide on a title…you get a subtitle…)

On 6 July 2016, Poke’mon Go was released in the United States.  Nearly immediately, Poke’mon trainers were seen exploring new worlds, State and National Parks, museums, historic sites, and neighborhoods across the nation in an effort to “catch them all”.  This new explorer (the trainer) has caused quite a stir…both positive and negative.

As opinions and articles began to roll in, I watched, read, and listened; opening myself to differing opinions, while trying to remain neutral.  Some voices have been strongly against this “outlandish” game that distracts and disrupts, while some proclaim it to be the key to unlocking connections to a new generation of visitors.

After a thorough research and self-evaluation, I find myself in the key crowd.  One of my ‘ah-ha’ moments, during the examination process, came when a fellow interpreter quoted one of our founding fathers, Freeman Tilden, from his 1957 book, Interpreting Our Heritage.   He elegantly writes:

“A roster of the reasons why people visit parks, museums, historic houses and similar preserves, though a fascinating excursion into human psychology, need not detain us here…..I go upon the assumption therefore that whatever their reasons for coming, the visitors are there….Now that the visitor is here, in what will be his chief interest?…The visitor’s chief interest is in whatever touches his personality, his experience, and his ideals.”

And that, my friends, settled it for me.  Many times people are afraid to embrace what they don’t understand.  We must be open to the future, it’s technology and tech savvy visitors, while building on the foundation laid by Freeman Tilden.

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…and a bonus article

14 Reasons Why Poke’mon Go is the Future of Learning is a great article, with some very valid points…plus the author makes a reference (and supplies a video) to Kung Fu Panda, which immediately gives the article legitimacy.   “Use it or fight it”.