Talk about a class of metamorphosis. I walked in with slight apprehension, which gave way to moderate frustration and a bad attitude, and has since developed into a sense of curiosity and pride. While some of the tools we've used in class have challenged me in both patience and skill, most of them I've found to be relevant in the classroom - if used correctly. The Geocaching activity, though fun and rewarding due to the chocolate (yes, I am easily pleased) failed to capture my enthusiasm as a means of encouraging people to strap on their boots and get outside. I can see how it might interest certain groups and encourage some healthier interactions that blend technology and nature, but at the same time, if I want to go outside for the sake of experiencing the outside, I want to do so unaided by a machine.
Perhaps this comes back to how I was raised. My most beloved playthings included rocks and sticks and spare strips of fabric from which I created flags, tepees, spears, obstacle courses, forts, and entire worlds. Nothing like a little imagination and decent weather to give a kid hours of entertainment and exercise. Even in winter, malleable snow was the ultimate medium for creativity.
I could count on both hands the number of hours I played with the Gameboy Advance I was given for my 10th birthday. I can't think of a single summer day growing up where I didn't spend at least one hand's worth of hours outside.
What I'm trying to say here is that while Geocaching opens up some opportunities and can serve as an interesting activity, I shy away from the thought of it being the only thing that gets people outside. People should want to be with nature because it is nature, and is one of the last sanctuaries free from technology.
And, just to point out, sometimes the good ol' global positioning systems fail miserably.
Case in point: this past Saturday was the Poetry Prowl in Red Deer, hosted by the Red Deer College Poetry Society. The event basically involved poets from the college giving readings at different venues around town. Incidentally, I was asked to make the posters for the event and did so using some of the skills and resources Carmen taught us in class. It should be mentioned that I'm the kind of person who thinks that North is some distant point above my head, so directionally, I'm a little challenged. My vehicle is equipped with a GPS, which I use with less and less faith. Relying on it got me totally lost downtown - the result of which also included a bolt wedged in my now severely leaking tire. In frustration I parked at the nearest spot possible, got out, and found my way on foot. Amazing, really, once I was out of the vehicle and not looking at the screen of the GPS, I knew exactly where I was in the city, and quickly found my way to the venue where the society was meeting.
Despite the ongoing love-hate relationship I seem to share with technology, I have to give Carmen a big thank you for the effort she's put towards this class, her positive attitude and all the information/experience she's provided for us. I can hear the groan of the reader now (she's such a suck-up!)... but in all seriousness, I think this is something that needs to be said. We're all enrolled in this course because we want to teach. Don't you think you'll feel that some recognition is deserved after all you do for a class?
And secondly, more and more so, I'm beginning to see the value in the Wiki portfolios we've constructed in this term. It may have taken until the middle of March, but I've begun to feel a real sense of pride in the work that I've put out there. No longer is it just about impressing the teacher and getting the good grades - this is work that I feel sincere ownership of, and that I can say I am honestly pleased to share with the world.
It's certainly been a learning experience, in more ways that one. I wish you all the best of luck with your finals (both in Edit 302 and your other classes) and I hope that you have an excellent summer break.