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.
Emily thank you for your blog- as per usual I enjoyed reading your creative blog. You raised some good points in regards to geocaching- just remember, like every other tool you have learned it is not the be all and end all for getting students connected with nature, however it has been my experience that those students who may moan and groan about walking 5km to a park, are often the same kids who want to geocache all day- often not realized that they have in fact walked 5km while geocaching. It is another tool to add in your teaching toolbox to use with students to provide another differentiated approproach to meet the needs of various lerning styles in your classroom and at the same time allowing for approaching curriculum through various multiple intelligences. Chocolate was used for your class, but in reality in a real curricular activity students would come across a cache that has a curricular challenge or task- that leads to the next- similar to Amazing Race, but with a curricular purpose.
ReplyDeleteFor the record, you have not had a "bad attitude" at all in this class, quite the opposite. You were always active in conversation and your learning and have grown as a result. Your occasional oposing viewpoint is needed and appreciated as it brings another element for others to consider and reflect upon. You also expressed your views in a respectful and professional manner, which is a quality that is needed as a professional.
Thank you for your kind words, despite your "love-hate" relationship with technology as you have been a pleasure to teach in this class!
Best of luck with the rest of your teacher education!
Carmen
Emily, I agree wholeheartedly with your blog...not just this post either. All of them. It is really clear that you have put a lot of time and effort into your blog and it shows. I have also learned a lot from your blog and agree with what is said. I too played outside growing up... I I wasn't playing out side or with something other than the computer we were put to work. Never say the word bored either...that was another good reason to get put to work. I didnt get a household computer until I was in grade 6, i graduated in 2007 and so maybe thats why I too enoy the simple things like paper and pen. I have learned a lot and can use stuff from this year too though. Thanks again for helping me out all the time.
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