Illuminating Cumberland Island: Interpreting a Heritage Trail using Mobile Electronic Technology

Abstract

This document consists of four chapters. Beginning with Cumberland Island's first residents, the Tacatacuru, and ending with the National Park Service's acquisition of Cumberland Island National Seashore, Chapter One describes the history of Cumberland Island. Chapter Two discusses the history of interpretation through the lens of the National Park Service. This chapter also addresses current interpretive recommendations set forth by the National Park Service and investigates current interpretive practices and needs at Cumberland Island National Seashore. Chapter Three addresses the utilization of mobile electronic technology as an interpretive tool by investigating mobile electronic technology and mobile learning, the use of "gadgets" in interpretation, and the National Park Services guidelines for interpretive media development. Finally, Chapter Four establishes a framework for an interactive heritage trail that interprets Cumberland Island National Seashore's natural and cultural heritage. Three samples of mobile exhibits are included in Chapter Four as well .