Encouraging the community to get out, explore and learn
New interactive signs along Oshawa’s portion of Great Lakes Waterfront Trail
People walking along the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail in Oshawa can now explore a new interactive experience.
Those walking along the trail in Oshawa can use their smartphone cameras to scan Quick Response (QR) codes placed on signage to learn about the various parks, points of interest, and amenities on the trail, while also using a navigation guide to link to other points of interest along the way.
“This is another example of how TeachingCity initiatives are advancing the City of Oshawa as a leading city of urban research and learning,” says Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter.
“The creativity and resourcefulness of this interactive information portal has created a fun and inventive way for our families and visitors to explore the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail in Oshawa,” he adds.
“I look forward to seeing it more across our city.”
Durham College (DC) students in the School of Media, Art and Design researched, designed and created the interactive information portal that includes a wayfinding tool as part of a City Idea Lab course through TeachingCity Oshawa.
After the academic year ended, DC student Karan Bhanwara worked directly with faculty member Linda Cheng to finalize these technologies through the RBC Student Leader Award.
Durham College President Don Lovisa says this TeachingCity initiative is a great example of how innovate experiential learning opportunities can be used to enhance the community.
“Our students were able to use their skills and knowledge acquired in their programs and apply them in the real world, bringing concepts and constructs to life in a meaningful and creative way,” says Lovisa.
“I hope community members walking along the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail enjoy the results of the students’ hard work.”
The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail stretches 3,600 km along the Canadian shores of the Great Lakes region, and connects 155 communities, including those in the First Nations.
Oshawa’s portion of the trail stretches 11 km along the shoreline between the borders of Whitby and Clarington. This portal helps guide and inform exploration of the trail, parks, natural areas and points of interest along the way.