Analyzing Micro-Local Communication Technologies to Support an On-Campus Agroecology Corridor

Abstract

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources seeks to to raise awareness of and stimulate conversations about sustainability, food security, and food supply within the University of Maryland and is pursuing the creation of an Agroecology Corridor. This project would connect the network of green spaces and sustainability projects on campus to maximize their use in teaching, demonstrations, community outreach, and research. To support that connection and determine the best solutions, our team researched eight microcommunication technologies, and are propose the three most effective technologies we believe will assist the College achieve its goal. The research considered multiple criteria including affordability, accessibility, and durability. The report’s four sections follow each step of the project: • an initial technology analysis introduces and describes the eight micro-communication technologies and examines their advantages, disadvantages and cost estimates • case studies that consider the applications of each technology in different campus spaces for varied user demographics • final recommendations for the top three technologies (beacons, push notifications, and nature signs) that our team believes would be the most effective • next steps for groups that may continue this project. Through research and analysis, this report aims to provide critical background information about beacons, push notifications, and nature signs as well as their potential for implementation on the University of Maryland campus. With proper integration, these technologies will help foster interest and important discussion about green spaces throughout campus. This report will also serve as the foundation for the project’s future stages as it continues in coming semesters.

Notes

Final project for INST490: Integrated Capstone for Information Science (Spring 2020). University of Maryland, College Park.

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