2013 Teaching & Learning

with Technology Day

at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology

TopicOpenness in Tourism through APPs

By

Dr Reedwaan Ismail

06 November 2013

Definition of “open” in tourism terms

The “Open” Definition sets out to define ‘openness’ in relation to data and content

“A piece of data or content is open if anyone is free to use it, reuse and redistribute”

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• Technology has transformed the manner in which tourists research a destination. • Through technology tourism related APPs can be downloaded on smart phones and Tablets• This is information that is shared and is open to all who has access to the internet, has a smart phone or tablet• The information or knowledge is produced, transmitted and accessed and shared at a minimal cost to a global audience• Immediate feedback provided

• The internet is a driving force in open knowledge dissemination• New distribution channels are used to share information• GPS technology allows a tourist to share their location with family and friends across the globe• The technology at our disposal allows us to market our tourism product across various channels at speeds unthought-of a few years ago.

Websites are gateways to obtaining tourism information

Tourist use mobile smart phonesLaptopTabletPCTo access informationSocial media

Eric Schmidt from Google said: “There are 35 billion devices connected to the internet. Soon, there will be so many that we’ll stop counting”

How does “openness” lead to changes in tourism education?

• Curriculum development What % of the current tourism curriculum content cover the use of technology in tourismAre we still teaching students how to draw up an itinerary when there are websites that will do itInformation overload eg tourist guide – use of smart phones to store information

How does “openness” lead to changes in tourism education? Continued

• Lecturer knowledge upgrade• Collaboration • Incentivise teaching materials development eg APPs• Student employable – globally Eg student run a facebook campaign in tourism• Institution – be at the cutting edge of technology Research outputs, conference papers, attract funding • Do we need textbooks ?

Tourism APPs

Search “Cape Town Walk”

Select Langa Township APP

BenefitsSource of open information to tourists and localsOpportunity for businesses to advertiseCommercial opportunityPlatform – Google & ApplePromote local community Easy to create

Tourism APPs – continued

Challenges• Willingness of staff to move out of their comfort zone and embrace the Technological advancement• Willingness of the institution to support and promote “openness”• Funding without strings attached• Create a platform in the institution to champion the initiative

Tourism Academy

Free to all tourism practitioners in the hospitality and tourism industryPodcast, APPs, video tutorial, assessmentsAccreditation via CATHSSETA(Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality, Sport Sector Education) Tourism Academic staff provide material

Skills developmentTransfer of knowledgeIndustry participationGlobal employment opportunity

In conclusion• Invest in yourself through education, attend workshops, online courses, video tutorials• Be bold• Challenge the norm• Think out of the box and be innovative• Technology afforded us additional opportunities• Educators, collaborate with your students

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It is in giving that you receive

• Research• Tourism APPs• Tourism Workshops• Slave Walk Orientation Tour

Dr Reedwaan IsmailCell: 082 537 2437Email: info@wrtourism.co.za Website: www.wrtourism.co.za