Vikkie Murray : Technology and Outdoor Learning

When we talk about outdoor learning, our minds turn to an escape from technology and the digital world.  Connecting with nature is refreshing, cleansing and vital, as is disconnecting from the world of screens, however, does this mean that technology does not have a place in outdoor learning? I argue that this is not the case and that there are many ways in which it can develop and enhance learning.

When we are exploring nature and observing the world around us, we are taking in so many things that we just cannot observe in our homes or settings. One of the most vital bits of kit in our outdoor adventures bag is a camera. Digital cameras (and phone cameras) have incredible resolution which enables children to capture a very accurate image of exactly what they have seen - this image becomes a freeze frame of a memory! Something that you can revisit and talk about within your setting - a way to bring nature in with you.  You can closely observe details of creatures and plants that perhaps you would not be able to otherwise and in a way that is so more relevant because the children have a sense of ownership of the image.  In the same way,you can use digital recording devices to record the sounds you hear in the forest - bird calls, rustling leaves, howling wind, running water - all these beautiful natural sounds which encourage sound discrimation and bring us a sense of calm.

Many people like to take part in crafts as a part of their outdoor learning - such as natural art sculptures or building bird boxes.  Using a drill (hand or battery powered) can be a wonderful way to introduce technology into outdoor learning in a productive and natural way.  In fact, many tools that you use outdoors will have links to technology - it is important to remember that technology takes many forms including cogs, levers, pulleys (not just screens!)

Another exciting way to use technology to connect with the natural world is by accessing live feeds from different organisations - many nature reserves have live feeds that can be accessed for free.  This is a wonderful way for children to make connections between what they have seen and places they have been, as well as observing things that are otherwise difficult to see, such as nesting birds.  Whilst in the forest you might observe a birds nest or the entrance to a rabbit warren which can incite curiosity and a range of questions.  Yes, you could answer these with non fiction books or an internet search, but also imagine the power of watching a live feed of what is happening inside a birds nest! Seeing the birds come and go, feed their young or even eggs hatching! The power of that connection is something priceless.

Connections can be made in so many ways and we are uniquely blessed in this generation to have access to a whole realm of technological opportunities (digital or otherwise) which we can use to enhance learning and record and relive experiences.  So next time you pack your outdoor kit bag TECH a minute and think about how technology could enhance the learning experience.

Find out more about Vikki on her instagram page here https://www.instagram.com/littleacornschildminderbanbury/?hl=en