New technologies for interpretation

We are looking at the use of QR Codes for self-guiding interpretation options. Here is the QR Code for my website. These codes can be scanned with a smart phone with a bar code/QR code reader, and be directed to client videos, web sites, articles, or anything else. I am looking at using these for some up coming projects. Lots of new projects on the horizon, just waiting for the official notices to proceed to post them. Enjoy July... JV

EWI New Project

JVA was awarded a contract to provide interpretive services for Exhibit Works for a project for one of their commercial clients. Our work will include: Interpretive Exhibit Label Copy, Developing a Docent Training Program and Interpretive Tour Guide Book, conduct a "Train the Trainers" program, and conduct exhibit pre-testing evaluation. You can visit this client at: http://www.ewiworldwide.com/specialties/exhibit-works/index.aspx

COE Training Course June 2011

Our introductory interpretive training course included lots of hands on interpretive projects and experiences. The photos show teams working on interpretive panel designs for the Wheeler National Wildlife Reserve (our field trip host), and one of the creative interpretive panels on forest management (Who Cut One?)created by another team project. This introductory course will be offered again at least twice next year. Contat me if you're interested in having interpretive training for your organization. jvainterp@aol.com
Cheers, jv

Corps of Engineers Interp. Training

Hi Folks,
This past week was spent working the draft interpretive plan for the Brown Family Environmental Center in Ohio and preparing proposals for some new summer projects.
Sunday I'm off to Alabama for the Corps of Engineers 4-day Interpretive Services Course. The photo is from the earlier IS course this year - our field trip and planning practicum at the Wheeler NWF. My new books should be out this month too.
Enjoy summer!
JV

Korean National Arboretum Project

JVA, working with Dr. Ju-Hee Lee of Daegu University (Korea), will begin working on a new projet for the Korean National Arboretum, developing an interpretive training program/exibit planning training program, for Arboretum Staff. I will be working on a strategy for training people who want to be an expert on Interpretive Education and Exhibit Planning in Arboretum settings. I am also charged with developing the curricula for the training program as well as lesson plans, teaching aides and related materials, all of which will be translated into Korean. I just finished my new book "An Interpretive Trainers Handbook" which will be incorporated into the training program.
I will post more on this project as we develop it further.
jv

COE Advanced Interp. Training Course

We are just finishing up our 2011 Army Corps of Engineers Advanced Interpretive Training Course in St. Louis, MO. This was a 5 day interpretation course that included having the participants do a critique of exhibits at the National Great Rivers Museum and Lock & Dam, on the Mississippi River. Here are some pics of the participants. The exhibits were generally very good, but the group had some excellent ideas for exhibit updating, and reinforcing the interpretive theme.

Bonnet Carrie Spillway

Just saw the news that the levy at the Bonnet Carrie Spillway was opened to help releive water pressure on the Misissippi. We did the interpretive plan for the BC spillway, including auto tours in the basin, and many different interpretive kiosks and panels there too. Fountinately the interpretive media haven't been fabricated yet or all our work would be "underwater" now. Here is a pic of the BC spillway opening to allow the water flow into the basin (bottom photo). In the top photo, everything to the right of the spillway is now underwater!