Get Outside with Technology: Creating an Interpretive Trail 2013 Global Stemx Education Conference

Patty McGinnis, NBCTGifted Support/Science SpecialistMethacton School DistrictEagleville, PApmcginnis@methacton.org

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!

Our Trailhttps://sites.google.com/site/arcolatrail/

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?