Qualcomm, AAAS, kajeet team up for Active Explorer programme

Qualcomm’s Wireless Reach Initiative is collaborating with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and kajeet on the Active Explorer mobile learning project.

Active Explorer is a web-based learning platform developed and piloted by AAAS with funding from Wireless Reach. It uses smartphones and mobile broadband connectivity provided by kajeet to engage children in collecting, interpreting and sharing science-related data. Teachers and students in grades four and seven at four Washington DC-area schools are integrating Active Explorer into their classrooms and afterschool programmes as part of an extensive evaluation on whether technology can affect learning and motivation.

An evaluation of the Active Explorer programme is under way with students and teachers using Android-powered HTC Evo smartphones that utilise kajeet’s Sentinel platform to manage internet access and allow students to share data and collaborate on projects. The application guides educators (Leaders) through the creation of smartphone-powered exploration assignments (Quests) which are then shared with students (Explorers) through their smartphones. A demonstration of Active Explorer will be available as part of the Wireless EdTech Conference 10-12 October in Washington DC.