Some of the technologies being used at the RTBG are portable technologies that are based on the small Asus EeePC 900 that runs a Microsoft XP platform and a small slim line smart tag reader and software known as the Learning Table from New England Computer Solutions.
  This will allow individuals such as staff, visitors and students to access audio visual materials on a very portable unit, which are then triggered by strategically placed smart tags embedded in items e.g. structures and plants around the Gardens. The tags act as 'triggers' that enable an action on the machine, in this case to play an interpretive resource from a database.The RTBG has already produced a podcast tour that is available as an audio resource for use on most MP3 players. I have chosen to use the audio podcasts as the basis of our first pilot which will encompass the existing audio podcasts with visual materials that can then be triggered in situ. With a standard podcast it's only audio, and the individuals using it still have to stop and start their equipment as they move from area to area on a specific path.
 The advantage of the smart tag technology is that the user only needs to turn their
 Manager of Botanical & Public programs
Mark Fountain sees potential in the technology |