get outside with technology: creating an interpretive trail 2013 global stemx education conference...
TRANSCRIPT
Get Outside with Technology: Creating an Interpretive Trail 2013 Global Stemx Education Conference
Patty McGinnis, NBCTGifted Support/Science SpecialistMethacton School DistrictEagleville, [email protected]
Who’s Here?
Which of the following choices best describes you?
A. K-12 TeacherB. AdministratorC. ParentD. Post Secondary/Higher EdE. Other
Rationale
Exactly what IS an Interpretive Trail?
Photo Credit: Greensprings Interpretive Trail
Project Benefits: Active Engagement + Fun = Learning!
Project-Based Learning
The Task: Identify and create a point of interest on school property
Problem-Based vs. Project Based
• Edutopia• Project-based results in
production of a product• Problem-based focuses
on a driving question
Introducing the Project to Students: Engage with a “hook”
Photo Credit: Beta-J
What are some other types of hooks you could use?
Breaking the Process it Down• Decide on a theme• Choose points of
interest• Plan trail route• Create website• Produce a trail guide• Create and install
sign posts• Resource: Great
Sand Dunes Online Curriculum (how to create an interpretive trail)
Content Skills Needed: You decide what works for your discipline
Photo Credit: Carsten Tolkmit
Technology Skills Needed• Evaluating websites• Creative Commons• Google Docs• Google Sites• QR Codes
Other:• Trail post design and
installation• Using GPS• Collaboration,
Communication, Creativity
Photo Credit: Chiara Abbate
Teaching Skills Related to Software
• Does this belong in the curriculum?• The challenge of
doing things “right”• Taking the time to
develop transferrable knowledge
Managing the Process: Use timelines and assessments to ensure students are mastering content and technology skills
Organizing the Website
Considerations• Free Site• Easy to Use• Free from ads• Must be 13 to use
Google sites• Each student gets
their own page• Create QR code for
each page
Photo Credit: mgstanton
Trail Markers• Enlist help! (tech ed
teachers, parents, etc.)• 4x4 posts with
hinged flap containing QR code• Consider post holders
Orienteering Trail
Special Needs Students• Work with special ed
teacher to make accommodations• Break down tasks
into small increments• Involve students in
making decisions• Be flexible!
Photo Credit: epSos .de
Assessment• Individual and group
assessments• Constant formative
assessment• Have students
document their progress throughout the project
Photo Credit: Scott Smith
Celebration: Every big accomplishment should be acknowledged!
Unexpected Outcomes
Future Plans
Photo Credit:Sancho McCann
Photo Credit: Nat Tarbox
Photo Credit: V. H. Hammer
Replication• Gain administrative
approval• Decide on a content
area• If necessary, consider
modification for indoors or temporarily mounted QR codes
Photo Credit: PhOtOnQuAnTiQuE
Resources• Gettysburg Walking Tours• Civil War Traveler• Edutopia• Authentic Assessment Strategies in Problem Based Learning• Rubric Creator• Great Sand Dunes Online Curriculum (how to create an interpr
etive trail)
Questions?