Ilha Musical

Abstract

Engaging children born in the digital age with traditional culture practices is a pedagogical and a technological challenge. In this paper we describe Ilha Musical, an interactive panoramic experience designed to foster appreciation of traditional Madeiran cultural practices in children from the island and abroad. The design employs a rhythm game in which children engage in traditional folk music and song while being exposed to visuals of the landscape, architecture, dance and other cultural motifs. We conclude with an eye tracking and scene analysis showing the success of the game in using competition and cooperation as a means of engaging the children with each other as well as with the narrative, the physical display and interface elements.