Sapiens Circus - Brazil
The CERTI (Reference Centers for Innovative Technology) Foundation is working to develop a human-centred technology (HCT) project called Sapiens Circus. A team of researchers in Brazil is designing a technologically advanced physical space for learning, the sharing of experience, and the stimulation of creative thought. The main goal of this project, which is in the early stages of development, is to "generate unforgettable experiences through the use of technology", to the end of educating people and stimulating interest in learning.
Communication Strategies
Teams of multi-disciplinary partners are developing and testing the Sapiens Circus concept. The Sapiens Lab is working to produce what they call "Experience Technologies" that are designed to enable Circus visitors to reflect on and interact with any kind of topic. The idea is to integrate HCTs with all other devices and kinds of equipment so that use of technology is a pervasive and natural part of the Circus setting and the learning process that takes place there.
The prototype of the Sapiens Circus is a modular and flexible structure that can be mounted itinerantly. With the possibility of expanding the size of its components, it would be designed to permit working simultaneously with individuals or groups on the improvement of their technical capacities. Lighting, video screens, sound, appliances, cameras, databanks, and other communication technologies would be connected and ready to respond to the visitors' needs. Using the Internet and other kinds of technology, the Sapiens Circus would facilitate work in groups (even if members of these groups are spread out geographically).
The structure itself consists of three parts: The Stage, The Peripathos, and The Thinker. The Stage is a space where visitors can get to know the subject matter that will be worked on during the highly technological "spectacle". Visitors will be subjected to an exploration that engages all senses. This presentation may relate to local history or cultural traditions, or may prepare visitors for technical training. Such a presentation would take place on a stage that is flexible enough to accomodate video/teleconferences, activities in group dynamics, lectures, interactive games, or any kind of other activity that fits into the purposes of the Sapiens Circus.
Playful language and advanced technology are designed to form part of a corridor of immersion (The Peripathos). This corridor is interactive in order to create stimulating virtual learning experiences. "Personalisation" would permit the creation of contents that are relevant to individual visitors, such as their own personal levels of knowledge, experiences, talents, fears, dreams, and the like. These pieces of information could serve as a basis to establish contacts between individuals and communities that share common interests, which might enable collaborative learning.
The Thinker is a large room where participants can learn through doing and experiencing. Since the third act uses systems that permit the personalised identification of each visitor, it allows the creation and the storage of customised content.
The prototype of the Sapiens Circus is a modular and flexible structure that can be mounted itinerantly. With the possibility of expanding the size of its components, it would be designed to permit working simultaneously with individuals or groups on the improvement of their technical capacities. Lighting, video screens, sound, appliances, cameras, databanks, and other communication technologies would be connected and ready to respond to the visitors' needs. Using the Internet and other kinds of technology, the Sapiens Circus would facilitate work in groups (even if members of these groups are spread out geographically).
The structure itself consists of three parts: The Stage, The Peripathos, and The Thinker. The Stage is a space where visitors can get to know the subject matter that will be worked on during the highly technological "spectacle". Visitors will be subjected to an exploration that engages all senses. This presentation may relate to local history or cultural traditions, or may prepare visitors for technical training. Such a presentation would take place on a stage that is flexible enough to accomodate video/teleconferences, activities in group dynamics, lectures, interactive games, or any kind of other activity that fits into the purposes of the Sapiens Circus.
Playful language and advanced technology are designed to form part of a corridor of immersion (The Peripathos). This corridor is interactive in order to create stimulating virtual learning experiences. "Personalisation" would permit the creation of contents that are relevant to individual visitors, such as their own personal levels of knowledge, experiences, talents, fears, dreams, and the like. These pieces of information could serve as a basis to establish contacts between individuals and communities that share common interests, which might enable collaborative learning.
The Thinker is a large room where participants can learn through doing and experiencing. Since the third act uses systems that permit the personalised identification of each visitor, it allows the creation and the storage of customised content.
Development Issues
Technology, Learning.
Key Points
The CERTI Foundation is a private, non-profit technology-based institution, located on the campus of the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) in Florianópolis.
HCTs start from the premise that technological solutions should aim to resolve problems and to help people to achieve their objectives in a natural and efficient way. The Sapiens Circus is based on concepts that go beyond the traditional use of technology by putting more emphasis on the human being and the relationships between people.
HCTs start from the premise that technological solutions should aim to resolve problems and to help people to achieve their objectives in a natural and efficient way. The Sapiens Circus is based on concepts that go beyond the traditional use of technology by putting more emphasis on the human being and the relationships between people.
Partners
CERTI Foundation, Federações de Indústria (FIEAM) Instituto Euvaldo Lodi (IEL), Philips Brasil, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazónia (INPA), Socioambiental, TV Cultura, Tool Box.
Sources
"Sapiens Circus: Transforming the present and constructing a better future", 2002, available at the Sapiens Circus site (click on "White Paper").
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