Our eleventh class was all about outdoor education, which I found both interesting and practical. With our guest speaker Kristen Pierce, we explored how technology can be used meaningfully in the classroom, helping students develop a relationship of care with the land and environment. It really made me reflect on how technology, which is often associated with indoor learning, can actually enhance outdoor experiences and deepen students’ connection to the land.
One of the key takeaways for me was the importance of intentionality, both in lesson planning and how we integrate technology. It’s not just about using tech for the sake of it, but about using it purposefully to preserve, explore and understand the land. For example, students could use plant scanners and rock identifiers to learn more about the environment while they’re physically interacting with it. I also loved the idea of students using Merlin Bird ID, which allows students to be able to identify the bird sounds they are hearing. This kind of technology allows students to engage directly with the environment while learning in real time, which makes the experience more meaningful and memorable.
Another point that stood out to me was the value of looking at the broader environment rather than just focusing on what’s immediately in front of us. Sometimes, students only relate to their nearby environment which can limit their understanding of the world. Using technology to show how historical footage of the land and comparing it to the present can help students see how the environment changes over time. This connects them to the land’s past and encourages reflection on how humans and nature have impacted the world. It’s a powerful way to build what Kristin called a “culture of place”, which helps students see themselves as part of the land’s story instead of just observers.
We ended the class with a hands-on outdoor activity, which was by far my favourite part. We went to Finnerty Gardens and did a QR code scavenger hunt. QR codes were scattered around the park, all linking to websites with information about different environmental facts. It was such a creative and engaging way to learn. The mix of outdoor exploration with technology kept the activity fun and interactive, while still being educational. I could definitely see myself using something like this in my future classroom, as it’s a great way to make outdoor learning more hands-on.
Overall, this class made me think differently about how technology can enhance outdoor education. It showed me how tech, when used intentionally, can inspire curiosity, build knowledge and strengthen students’ connection to the natural world. It also made me excited to try incorporating more outdoor learning experiences into my own teaching practice one day.