Technology
Enviornmental Detectives is designed to integrate GPS, Bluetooth, and handheld computing technologies in one platform. As such, the platform could be coded in a combination of C++, Java, and .Net. Several research projects have begun experimenting with integrating these technologies, although none are currently using them for educational gaming.

We envision the system running through a map-driven system. So, the simulatioin might know where the contaminant enters the system and its rate of propogation, as well as any barriers or other geographical features that affect its' growth. From there, the system will also track what sector the player is in, and what information could be made available to the player.

We are most excited about this map-based simulations system hosting a whole suite of handheld applications. In addition to the pollution scenarios mentioned here, science teachers might create scenarios where other bodies move through the environment, such as populations of animals, or diseases. One could also imagine this same format being taken to history or social studies, where students might create historical maps of an area, and tie photographs, interview data, or other writing to a particular location.

This last feature -- using creative writing to as a medium for augmented reality simulations has many other potentially interesting applications. Imagine experiencing Frank McCourt's Limerick, Jack Black's trip through Los Angeles, or Hunter S. Thompson's Las Vegas -- or perhaps a combination of all three. A natural extension of each of these projects is to create a web-based database where users can upload their own media, and express themselves.

Copyright 2002, MIT.