This weeks class really forced me to push my thinking when it comes to student use of technology within the classroom. Coming from an outdoor ed perspective, I have always been a proponent of removal of devices on program. In my opinion, this really works when it comes to connecting with nature, peers and ourselves in the outdoors. I knew, however, that my approach would need to change when it came to teaching in a high school classroom setting. Similar to the plants and animals that I teach about outside, I would need to adapt. However, how I will adapt has yet to be decided.
This weeks speaker challenged my thinking by stating that our acceptance of technology in the modern world is shaped by the way we grew up and our personal biases. Now, writing this down, this seems obvious… but I had never considered that my classroom experiences and my love of nature could cloud my judgement when it comes to technology and its uses. He stated that technology, whether we like it or not, is here to stay. Cell phone use is here to stay. However, how we respond to this is up to us. This got me thinking about the ways that technology could be integrated into the classroom to promote outdoor literacy and outdoor engagement. I was able to find an interesting study (information available below) on this topic which found that, if introduced in the correct way, certain technology can contribute to increases in engagement in nature. This study used specific videos for children to motivate outdoor learning. These videos also taught STEM concepts in a hands on, and physically active way achieving multiple learning outcomes. Information like this is promising to me in an age where I see such disconnection from the natural world.
I know there are options out there to integrate technology in a positive manner and ultimately the role of the teacher is to support their students in the the best way that they can. Whether we like it or not, technology is here to say. It is up to teacher to decide how they best want to support their students in an ever changing technological world and set them up for success outside the classroom.
Something I am still trying to figure out… stay tuned.
References:
Using Screen Time to Promote Green Time: Outdoor STEM Education in OST Settings
Paulsen, Christine Andrews; Andrews, Jessica Rueter
Afterschool Matters, n30 p24-32 Fall 2019
https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1236075
