Outdoor Education

2009-04-02T14:08:00.005+11:00

Welcome everyone to my Outdoor Education blog. Hopefully you will find some resources below that will help you format your upcoming outdoor-ed blog. I have tried to give you a few examples of things that you could include. Good luck! Use the help section if you are having troubles, there are lots of informative videos to guide you.
PS: Make sure you click "Older Posts" at the bottom of the blog page to see further ideas for using your blog.

Technology Talk: Amanda discusses the new IPOO tool!

2009-04-02T14:01:00.004+11:00

Going to the toilet in the bush is an important skill and one that we need to complete in an environmentally friendly way. Amanda highlights the use of the new IPOO toileting tool. Click to see a demonstration.

Cliff Top Reflection

2009-04-02T13:11:00.006+11:00

On Sunday 30th March our Outdoor-ed class hiked the Apple Tree Flat Circuit. One of the tasks we undertook was to experience some quiet time to reflect. Utilising the beautiful view at the trig we were asked to compare and contrast our thoughts and feelings from 25 minutes of wilderness quiet time to the business of life in the city. Click the video below to hear our thoughts.

To Lead and To Follow!

2009-03-02T23:05:00.005+11:00

I gained a new appreciation of the skill level of some of my group yesterday. I was really appreciative at how patient they were when I was having trouble with my map reading. Daniel was especially helpful with tutoring, I learnt lots from him.

At times I felt really under pressure to perform and that everyone was relying on me. But one of the most important tips I received was from our teacher. He told a great story from when he was learning to navigate. He was out in front leading down the side of a big glacier following a faint walking trail. All of a sudden the track just stopped. He said he just turned to the group and told them that he did not really know where to go next and that they should just have a short break while he went off to scout ahead with his assistant.

A short time later they returned and had found the way. This ability to just stay cool under pressure was a great lesson for me; I sometimes gets a bit worried when things don't go to plan.

My River Crossing Reflection

2009-03-02T23:00:00.008+11:00

We had all heard about crossing the Shoalhaven River but yesterday we were there for the real thing. We conducted a review of the steps to considered before we should cross. The depth and speed of the water were evaluated first, they were all AOK!

We then assessed the entry and exit points, the what if factor of getting washed down stream; there were no hazards that were a concern at the current level.

We assessed a variety of crossing methods, I felt most comfortable with the Kiwi rugby method!

The following is an embedded "Voicethread"which I would argue one of the most innovative web2.0 technologies I have come across in my work as an outdoor educator. You can upload video, pictures, documents, audio then you can narrate and draw on the slides. Other participants can then add to the commentary if you invite them to do so. See http://voicethread.com/

My Off Track Navigation Reflection

2009-03-02T22:53:00.002+11:00

This photos shows the spur that we had to navigate down during our bushwalk on Sunday. I found the off track elements of the walk very challenging. Keeping on track by following a compass bearing as well as keeping your eye on the terrain is much harder in practice!

I learnt the importance of just taking my time and matching the terrain I was seeing around me with the map, keeping track of where I am at all times.

The route finding was particularly difficult through the two cliff bands. I learnt some new techniques of problems solving when you don't know the actual correct way down.

Creating an Audio Link or Podcast

2009-02-28T00:07:00.013+11:00

Capturing learning in the heat of the moment is a wonderful source of information from which to base a debrief or reflection session. I carry a small digital recorder with me in the field and can often conduct interviews with students about their learning.

This audio can be edited on a free mixing software called Audacity.

Download a free copy of Audacity Software at Audacity 1.2.6 installer [only install this version].

You will also need to download the Lame MP3 file which allows you to export your recording as an MP3 file. Go to http://audacity.sourceforge.net/help/faq?s=install&item=lame-mp3 Remember where you saved it to!

Once you have your MP3 file you can upload it and host it for free at Internet Archives.

The recording on the player below is housed at the following link.
http://www.archive.org/details/OutdoorEdMp3ExampleForWorldpressBlog

From this page you can copy the embed code and paste it into blogger. This will allow for the neat little audio player to be inserted into your blog page.

Click the play button above to listen!

Embeding photos into your blog using Picasa

2009-02-27T23:50:00.002+11:00

Key Learning Moments from my bush-walk last weekend.

The photos that you are seeing are hosted at a site called Picasa. I copied the embed code and pasted into my blog page's edit Html tab.

As part of your e-blog you can comment on your photos as part of the reflection process from your hike.

2009-02-27T23:42:00.002+11:00

Teachertube is a video hosting site that is accessable by most school filter programs. Sites like Youtube are usually blocked by school servers. I have been attempting to make outdoor education teaching videos and house them at the following link teachertube.

Labels: Light a fire with carbon steel and stone, Outdoor Education
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Slide Share Outdoor-Ed

2009-02-27T23:01:00.000+11:00

I have created a site on Slideshare where all your outdoor education presentation can be uploaded to. I have experimented with adding a voice narration to my presentations to make them more interactive and informative, I think it adds alot to a presentation. Click here to learn how to make a Slidecast.

So my joining slideshare and looking in the outdoor-ed group you will find resources for you to use. Add your presentations to the growing pool of work.

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Technology And Outdoor Ed

View more presentations from Ian Boyle. (tags: and technology)