Explore 150
In case you haven’t figured it out by now, I’m an outdoors girl. Being outside is my favourite thing to do. I also love history, which is why I probably enjoy social studies at school. So when an app comes along that combines learning about natural, historical and cultural sites in Canada and encourages users to get outdoors and visit those sites, write about those sites and even win some prizes along the way, I’m all over it!
As a member of the Get To Know youth advisory board I was invited to take part in a related board that partnered with Taking It Global to design and pilot a new app called Explore150. Now I certainly didn’t design the app but I have been involved a little along the way to provide feedback, some content and spread the word of its existence. Last month the app launched and I encourage all of you to take a look at it and spread the word too – afterall, that’s what social media does best. It has great graphics that take you all over Canada where you can learn about important sites that help define who we are as Canadians. The great thing about this app is that it was designed by youth for youth! There’s also a website where you can vote for your favourite sites in Canada.
The app was started because Canada’s 150th birthday is coming up in 2017. It gives kids a chance to learn about Canada and its diversity. Perhaps Abra Rissi, the co-ordinator for Taking It Global says it best.
…locations vary from historic sites and museums to national parks and community markets. When an Explore150 user visits a location on the app, they are encouraged to check-in to access the peer-generated content on that site. Once checked-in, the user can retrieve information on the site left by their peers and contribute photos or written reflection about their experience at the location. Completing these tasks at Explore150 locations lets users earn points and compete for prizes.
Explore150 users are encouraged to discover new parts of Canada by visiting sites in their community, and can access other parts of Canada by participating dynamically from the comfort of their own home.
The app can be downloaded at http://www.explore150.ca