New media - using IT to interpret
key points from the presentation by Dan Boys, Moors for the Future Partnership, Peak District
Download Dan Boys' powerpoint presentation (ppt)
New media should be seen as adding to, rather than competing with, traditional formats. Face to face is still best; for example guided walks – but there are practical limitations (numbers, weather).
Basically, it provides some new tools, which often come with built in ability to gather stats and therefore monitor useage, like:
- Audio trails
can add to the experience with songs, history, archive material, real people. A map and directions can be downloaded as well as the audio file. Communities can be involved in production, and the material is available to all. (NB audio files are not podcasts – podcasts are audio files which are updated regularly – for example the Peak newspaper ‘Park Life’ is a podcast). - Interactive websites with blogs (on line diaries) eg Peak District’s ‘my peak experience’ – people can log on and upload their own experience and images.
- Download centres
in visitor information centres, where customers can ‘print on demand’ – sustainable, and useful for those without the hardware at home. - Mobile phone
audio files and information for certain spots on walks etc – can be expensive at present, but 3G (broadband for phones) is coming in and will make it cheaper. - Cableless systems
Bluetooth is the wireless equivalent of the USB cable, enabling files to be sent over a certain area. WiFi is a larger scale, more powerful system. Bluetooth units can be positioned along a route to send info to mobile phones eg a woodland i/d guide. WiFi could be useful at remote offices, and features a private and public band – for staff and visitors? - Satellite/GPS
can be used for ‘geocaching’ – where items are hidden and passed on. - Computer games
route to reach young audiences.
Conclusion: content is (still) king! But…
New media makes more available, in more ways, and enables more to be personalised. It opens understanding up to new audiences and can often be non intrusive.
New media is only one of several potential tools available to help heritage managers communicate stories and messages to visitors.
‘Good interpretation makes sites interesting and exciting which enhances the visitor experience, resulting in satisfied customers’ (James Carter, 1997).
daniel.boys@peakdistrict.gov.uk 07795 328473
