Integrated contextual learning environments with sensor network for crop cultivation education: Concept and design

This paper presents an outline of our project, in which we develop an observation framework for integrating lecture and contextual learning in the field of crop cultivation. Specifically, we will use multi sensing of learners' activities in classrooms, and contextual learning in fieldwork, farm planting, and farming environments. The motivation for our project is twofold: First, crop cultivation provides a powerful illustration of educational technology. It requires both explicit knowledge (from lectures) and implicit knowledge (from contextual learning outside of class). Second, from a practical viewpoint, the number of Japanese farmers is shrinking due to low income and to aging population. Thus, in order to maintain crop yields, farming skills must be transferred efficiently to novice farm workers. Herein, the major features of our framework will be described.