Questions pondered...

- Cost to participate may be too high
The cost to enter this program is he participation of a school program in the training program AT the aquarium in Boothbay harbor, OR an internet connection in the classroom where someone can browse the ROVLabs site, look at the information and pilot the onlineROV.

Allow for both registered and anonymous accounts to pilot and participate with the device, but have a forums available for discussion and postings of potential changes for the next iteration. I think a real strength of this interaction and group learning is there are multiple sources. Class at the Aquarium participating in the full program, class in the classroom participating just in the online tutorial and interaction, and the online discussion about the ROV itself and the technical aspects of the exploration.

- Consider higher levels of automation
Automation can be achieved in the online ROV by creating a program that moves the vehicle around the tank in a predetermined path, taking predetermined actions. Going up/down/left/right hovering and such. This would allow a viewer's alternative to something just sitting there so they can SEE the ROV in action without having to interact directly (if they dno't want to) and it makes it more interesting to see when someone isn't piloting it in real-time.

- Consider the result of cross-age group participation and the effects on the project
The real point of the Aquarium and this program is to educate as many people as possible. It's by coincidence that the age groups participating in this program have been around middle school age. Since the entire project takes a short amount of time, and requires critical thinking, it is applicable for all learning ages. Individuals who come across the site can offer their expertise, if they have any, are welcome because they too can help answer questions students could have.

- Consider how to really get 12 year olds interested in this. What is motivating them?
This whole project is a learning environment, especially as a classroom structure, but the online interaction with the ROV and the exploration of the site/forums will peak the interest of those interested, and even those who want to play. The intent is to grab attention of those kids who have never even considered marine science, having them interacting with others and learning as a group. The benefit of this online application is that this message and group learning atmosphere is extended to anyone who can get to the website.