Using technology to engage students in outdoor education: Does it inhibit or benefit the students’ experience?

Abstract

In this paper, the benefits and drawbacks of incorporating technology into outdoor education are discussed. The data was collected during an inquiry based project for an educational technology course. This research is important because of the growing epidemic of children staying indoors with their technology rather than going and enjoying outside. There always seems to be a divide between outdoor education, or being outdoors in general, and modern technology. However, by using modern technology students may be engaged and drawn into outdoor education. Therefore, incorporating technology into outdoor education may be something to consider. This study analyzed the possible effects on students of incorporating technology into an experiential learning opportunity of being outdoors. The participants of this study were predominantly Education students at Mount Royal University, Education faculty members, as well as people from other occupational backgrounds who felt strongly about outdoor education.