In week 11 we talked about how technology can connect to and be used for outdoor education. I don’t really know much about outdoor education, but from my prior knowledge it seemed like technology wouldn’t really mix well with it. However, after this lecture topic, I can see just how beneficial technology can be to outdoor learning. In class, we talked about the following apps:

• Sky View: can identify different space objects like constellations, planets, etc.
• Google Maps and Apple Maps: great for online exploration of places around the world
• LeafSnap Plant Identification: can identify different species of plants from photos.
• Rock Identifier: Stone ID: can identify different types of rocks and provide information based on photos.

There are many other apps and resources that can benefit outdoor education, but these are just a few examples.

Downsides:

When I think about technology and outdoor learning, I would consider these to be opposites. When I think about kids having access to technology, I think about how this is taking away their time to be outside playing and trying new things. I think if we are to mix technology and outdoor learning, the technology must be used in ways that are appropriate and benefit student learning.

Ideas:

I think if I were to do a project around technology and outdoor learning, I would do it at a time where it is not possible for us to be outside for a long period of time. If it was pouring rain, or snowing, I could keep my kids inside but still have them learn about outdoor places and experiences. I think that a great way to use technology to benefit outdoor education is to use services like Google Maps, where students can explore areas that we might not be able to physically go to as a class. Below, I have inserted a screenshot of the “Street View” option on Google Maps for Mystic Market at UVic. It is interesting that with Google Maps Street View, you can basically simulate walking around an area.

Using this service to explore places can also be expanded on. I think it would be cool to do a project where students choose a place to explore, and then use apps like LeafSnap or Rock Identifier to learn about some of the features of the land they’re exploring. I think that this idea has the potential to be a successful learning opportunity for students. This is definitely something I will consider implementing in a future classroom.

Conclusion:

To conclude my thoughts, I think that technology has the potential to benefit outdoor learning. I think that with using technology, we should take caution to ensure that we are keeping students safe online, but also giving them enough experience of actually being outside for outdoor education. Technology can definitely expand learning in many ways, but students need to experience the outdoors, and should learn about the place we live. I think that I am likely to implement an idea like the one I talked about above, but I am also very likely to take my students outside as much as possible and have them learn in a hands-on way about the land we live on.

Sources:

Pierce , K., & Paskevicius, M. (2025, March 18). Week 11: Technology and Outdoor Education [Google Slides].