Start

1. Read the About section, so you get a sense of what's going on.

2. I feel that often you have to see something to believe it, so make sure you have a smartphone or other Wi-Fi enabled device, with both GPS capabilities and Internet access for geocache locating. Bring a set of headphones (optional) if you have them! The optimal group size is 3-4 people though any size is fine.

3. Read the Instructions carefully.

4. Make sure you're aware of the Hints & Tips post, for help with locating geocaches and figuring out passwords. Don't be afraid to look; it's not cheating!

5. Don't forget, you can quickly access the sections of the website through the tabbed links above this section.
Now then... if you’re ready to venture into my world, start at these coordinates and see if you can find my first geocache:

38.9852 -76.9459

Instructions

How to walk through the project:

1. Locate the geocache by using the GPS coordinates, as well as the geocache hints. One method of locating coordinates is listed in the section below.

2. Inside the geocache, you'll find an entry from Alice's journal that you can read.

3. At the bottom of the journal entry is the set of GPS coordinates for the next location.

4. Additionally, you'll find a riddle, which can be solved to unlock the corresponding online blog entry. Note that Post 1 corresponds to the first geocache location, Post 2 to the second location, Post 3 to the third location, and Post 4 to the fourth location. Guidelines for formatting the password are below, and additional password hints are available here.

5. Once the blog entry is unlocked, you may either listen to the audio version of the post (linked at the top) or read the post. We recommend that you listen to the post while walking to the next geocache!


Locating GPS coordinates:

Using default Maps application/Google Maps:

In the search bar, enter loc: (in lowercase) followed immediately by the coordinates.

Example:
loc:38.9852131, -76.9456963

Alternate method for iPhone/iPod/iPad:

1. Download the free Maps+ app.

2. In the Tools menu in the lower right corner, access Settings and change the map type to Google Hybrid. (optional, but helpful)

3. Use Search function to enter the GPS coordinates to locate the approximate area of the geocache.

4. Turn on the Locate feature to track your current location.

For other mobile device platforms:

Any reliable, functioning mobile application that enables you to enter coordinates and map the location corresponding to the coordinates is sufficient to use to experience GLITCH.

A note about browser performance:

Please keep in mind that the type of browser you are using to view the blog page may alter the appearance or functionality of the blog. Firefox and Safari are recommended for optimal performance of this website.

Note: GPS coordinates have variable accuracy at times, so make sure to utilize the Hints & Tips for locating the geocaches!


Formatting passwords:

All text passwords should be entered in lowercase letters only.

All numeric passwords should be entered as numbers only, without spaces or # symbols.

For any questions or comments, please contact theglitchprojectDCC@gmail.com

Post 1

Enter password to view this post.

Show encrypted text

Post 2

Enter password to view this post.

Show encrypted text

Post 3

Enter password to view post.

Show encrypted text

Post 4

Enter password to view post.

Show encrypted text

Hints and Tips

Geocache location guide:

Important: all of the geocache are located on or around magnetic surfaces.

Location 1: don't waste your time; it's too precious to throw away. Get down low and reach under the bottom.

Location 2: why don't you take a break and rest on one of the benches next to the fountain, near the hedge?

Location 3: waiting for a sign? Seek one out yourself, near the Physics and Geology buildings.

Location 4: look out for a white concrete planter.

Location 5: remember where you found the fountain geocache? Try a similar spot.

Password hints and tips:

Important: letters should be all lowercase, and numbers should be entered without spaces or # symbols.

Post 1: as an example, BOOKKEEPER would give you OKE.

Post 2: need a map?

Post 3: the twins are Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee.

Post 4: are there any large trees nearby? The metallic silver circle tag contains the ID number.

Extras: find the plaque in the labyrinth.

...and finally:
Follow the white rabbit. If you're going in the right direction, you may see him around...
....

Extras

Enter password to view this post.

Show encrypted text

About

The Glitch Project is a mobile media fiction narrative developed by Katherine Chen, Phillip Chow, Yasmin Kadry, Vicky Lai, and Kelsey Marotta, students of Dr. Jason Farman at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Through the project, readers will walk through five geocaches located through the university campus. In total, the walk itself takes a minimum of 30 minutes, although it is suggested that at least an hour is set aside to fully experience all portions of the project. While walking from site to site, users have the option to listen to a recording of each of Alice's blog posts, presenting a degree of immersion to the experience.

In each geocache is located an entry from Alice's journal, which will contain coordinates for the next geocache. Also inside is a riddle for unlocking the corresponding digital blog post, as well as its corresponding audio, which readers will solve using site-specific information.

Readers begin with a starting set of coordinates for the first geocache. Additional instructions and hints for the riddles can be found in the Hints section.

Keep your eyes open... and enjoy the story!

The creators of this project may be contacted at theglitchprojectDCC@gmail.com.