MEIO: M-learning, social networks and gamification for environmental education

Abstract

In this short paper we present an overview of MEIO (My Environment is Outstanding), an m-learning tool for environmental education combining aspects of social networks and gamification. The conceptual design of MEIO aims to foster the objectives of environmental education according to Tbilisi Declaration, to wit, awareness, knowledge, attitudes, skills and participation, in urban communities. The main goal is to encourage people to engage in denouncing and even solving (by themselves) environmental issues. MEIO bears clear similarities with urban navigation tools such as Waze, but instead of guiding drivers, it allows users to point out abnormalities such as water pollution, fire, etc. which become visible in an online map. A voting mechanism of the best actions realized by users leads to virtual rewards, this is the gamification component of our tool. MEIO is being developed initially for Android devides, and tests will be performed in two large cities in Brazil, Recife and Teresina.