How can Technology be included in Outdoor Education

Jessica and Krista

Seek – Identifier app for Insects bugs, plants and animals. You are able to find information as well as see the area on a map of where the item may be found or is commonly found. The app uses image recognition technology to identify plants and animals all around you.

Pros –

  • Many options for organism identification plants, animals, amphibians, birds, insects, etc.
  • Provides background information about species and its habitat range
  • Allows organism identification from photos
  • settings for the photo access and location can be limited to when app is in use

Cons –

  • Real-time species identification requires a wi-fi connection
  • Cannot always identify the organism down to the species
  • Recognition of the Organism can be timely

Curricular Connections – biodiversity and the environment, applied skills and technology

Inaturalists – Similar to seek but will make suggestions of what the organism may be based on the area you are.

Pros –

  • Several different species to choose from for identifying different organisms, animals and plants
  • The app allows you to use images taken from your camera, or from your cameral roll
  • Able to view and see others organism identifications
  • create lists for Observations
  • GPS coordinates to show where an observation coordinate has been made
  • Free on the app store

Cons –

  • Possible privacy and safety concerns showing students location (make sure setting is on private)
  • possibly privacy and safety concern showing students locations (location can be made private)

Curricular Connections – Science, Language Arts

Here is a video that compares the use of Seek and iNaturalist apps.

Night Sky – point camera at the night sky and it will show you constellations and planet information.

Pros –

  • Pdf and folders created for different ages and levels
  • narrow down search selection based on what you are looking for
  • planets can be viewed from different angles including the core
  • app is free

Cons –

  • screen can feel overwhelming and busy

Curricular Connections – Science

Image taken from WCCFTech website

Measure – Available on iPads and iPhones. Measurements can be taken without having to carry around around a ruler or measuring device. Screenshots can be saved to keep a record of your measurements.

Pros –

  • Quick and convenient way to take measurements
  • Offers different units of measurment
  • You can take a screenshot of the screen to save for later
  • contains a level on the app as well

Cons –

  • Measurements can be inaccurate if the camera is not positioned properly

Curricular Connections – Mathematics

Image of myself using the measure app on my iPhone to measure my laptop.

Additional resources: Geocaching, smartphone camera, QR codes, Alltrails app, Peakadvisor, iTrack Lite, Weatherbug

Enhancing Mental Health in Technology

Isabella, Ashlyn, Josie, Kylie and Somer

Background Music – Calm music in the background can help with learning and enhance students ability to connect with the lessons.

Some apps to use for music: Youtube, Spotify, Soundcloud, calm connect

Here is an example of calm background music that elevate a students ability to concentrate and focus.

Mindfulness in the classroom – Guided meditation and breathing exercises. helps to plan how you can introduce into your classroom.

Some apps to use for mindfulness: Headspace for Educators, Calm, Calmkids

Screenshot of my Headspace for Educators homepage

Movement in Mental Health – Movement increases confidence, decision making, self-esteem, reduces stress. the brain is impacted by physical health.

Some apps to use for physical health: GoNoodle, Just Dance (Often on YouTube), Seated Yoga

Go Noodle

pros: easy transition, user friendly, variety of activities and movements

cons: fresh air not included, you are only in the classroom, overstimulation

Just Dance

pros: easy to find, fund songs, promotes self-esteem, use students interest

cons: preview to make sure video is age appropriate, some dance moves are difficult and want to make sure the steps are achievable, creativity stifled, not intense enough

Seated Yoga

pros: small space friendly, calm grounding, calm vibes, breathing focus,

cons: read the room (grounding activity needed or cardio exercise), limited poses,

Adaptive Learning – Meets students at their level and need. Builds a healthy relationship in the classroom.

Some apps to use for Adaptive Learning: ClassDojo (language barrier), Signschool (ASL), Touch Chat, Avaz ACC(non-verbal communication), Calm (Mental Health)

An example of Avaz ACC keyboard on a iPad, taken from Avaz AAC – Avaz Inc. (avazapp.com)

Affirmation Station and Digital Journaling in the classroom – positive reinforcements, self-confidence builders,

Some apps to use for Digital Journaling: GoodNotes, ClickUp, The Five Minute Journal, Finch: Self Care Pet, Me: A Kid’s Diary, Simple Diary – Journaling

Here is a video from YouTube that discusses GoodNotes App for students. The first three minutes of the video discuss this app and note taking/journaling for students.