Photo Taken at Finnerty Gardens!
This week, Kristen came to our class and spoke about how Outdoor Ed and Technology can work together. This was very interesting for me to think about, because I often view them as opposites. I tend to reduce these topics to their extremes – either children are inside staring at screens or they are outside and have forgotten about technology. This was a good reminder that there are so many ways that the 2 can be paired! I also realized that I have used technology as a tool while appreciating the outdoors so many times without realizing it! I use mapping apps almost daily, I am constantly taking photos of the outdoors, and I regularly use search engines to research beautiful nature spots. I also love Outdoor Ed and I think that it is so important to merge these concepts. I find that doing so helps me be less intimidated by technology and its constant presence in ours and our future student’s lives. Knowing that I can teach my students that they can still use tech as tool while appreciating the outdoors makes me excited to teach during this time.
During this class, we also went on QR-code scavenger hunt around Finnerty Gardens. There were 6 QR-codes hidden throughout the gardens and we walked around in groups to find them. I had so much fun doing this – and I am so grateful for it. I really appreciated the chance to get out of the classroom and walk around outside. I love being outdoors but I often get so wrapped up with school and work that I forget how nice and calming it is. I also realized that on that same day last year I also went to Finnerty Gardens! What a coincidence!