xGeocache+Hunt

COM 435 Geocaching Activity March 25, 2010 Thursday: ENAD 135

**ACTIVITY**
This is a geocache hunt, where you will work with a team, using an array of technologies, to navigate, investigate information, solve a riddle, and create a report sharing your experiences of the activity. There are 7 caches, 7 field teams, and a central investigative unit. Each team will be given a __GPS device__ to //find the cache//, located somewhere on campus (within walking distance). Each cache box will contain a //partial set// of //unique __clues__// to the puzzle. The field team will document and communicate the clues and the evidence back to the central investigative unit, using __communicative technologies__ (e.g. cell phone, camera, etc.). The central investigative unit will collect all clues and evidence and //solve the riddle// as quickly as possible. The entire process is documented and a real-time and final story of the journey is created //on the class blog//.
 * 1) Discover – the cache
 * 2) Document – the evidence
 * 3) Decipher – the riddle
 * 4) Report – the journey (tell a story)

**TEAM ROLES AND TECHNOLOGIES**
//Field Team// (7 teams of 4) Each field team will have 3 or 4 people fulfilling the following roles:
 * 1) **Navigator**: using the GPS geolocation device, will navigate the team to locate the geocache. Should be familiar with maps and navigation. GPS provided (see attached)
 * 2) **Field Detective**: using communication technologies, will retrieve the clues and evidence and communicate these back to the CIU. __Must bring technologies__.
 * 3) **Field Reporter (1 or 2)**: using communication and information technologies, will report on the team’s experience and progress. __Must bring technologies__.

//Central Investigative Unit (CIU)// The central unit will receive all communication and create a report for the team. //Note: You should talk with your teammates __before__ the lab time to discuss communication plans, technologies, etc. Innovative and effective use of technologies is a requirement. Be creative!//
 * 1) **Lead Detective (2)**: Will receive the clues and evidence from the field detectives and solve the puzzle. __Must bring technologies__.
 * 2) **Lead Reporter (2)**: Will receive field reports and craft a narrative of the activity, including rich representations of the navigation, problem solving process, and experiences of the team members. This report will be posted to the class blog.__You will have one central computer; bring other technologies needed__.

**RULES**

 * 1) Clues in the cache box are **not** taken. Examine the clues, document them, and then put them back.
 * 2) When a clue is found, team member directly reports evidence to the central unit.
 * 3) Intermediary reports and documents can be on any technology you want, //but we must have access to view as well//. Final Report is published through the class blog.

**SCORING**
The class will be scored based upon its **speed** in solving the puzzle, **innovative** use of technologies, and **excellence and creativity** in reporting. The winning class be announced on Monday following the activity, and all class members will receive a reward.
 * 1) Speed of solution time
 * 2) Innovative and creative use of technology during the journey
 * 3) Excellence and richness of the initial __and__ the final report

**SCHEDULE (approximate)**

 * 10:30 Teams check in, coordinate equipment and communication plan
 * 10:35 GPS devices distributed by //GeoMaster//
 * 10:40 Race ON
 * ongoing: Discover, document – ongoing collaboration & communication
 * 11:05 All clues should be communicated by now (in order to provide time for solution)
 * ongoing: Decipher, report – continuing collaboration to solve and build final report
 * 11:20 Final solution reported to //IntelliMaster// and First report on blog
 * noon Sat Final report posted to blog

**// The key is communicating and collaborating with new technologies. Have fun, be creative, think and learn! //**