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Creating an Interpretive Trail: Active Learning with Technology

Discover how to engage students in project-based learning through creating an interpretive trail on school property, incorporating technology skills while fostering creativity and collaboration. Learn about the benefits, process, and resources involved in this interactive educational project.

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Creating an Interpretive Trail: Active Learning with Technology

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  1. Get Outside with Technology: Creating an Interpretive Trail 2013 Global Stemx Education Conference Patty McGinnis, NBCT Gifted Support/Science Specialist Methacton School District Eagleville, PA pmcginnis@methacton.org

  2. Which of the following choices best describes you? A. K-12 Teacher B. Administrator C. Parent D. Post Secondary/Higher Ed E. Other Who’s Here?

  3. Rationale

  4. Exactly what IS an Interpretive Trail? Photo Credit: Greensprings Interpretive Trail

  5. Project Benefits: Active Engagement + Fun = Learning!

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

  7. 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

  8. Introducing the Project to Students: Engage with a “hook” Photo Credit: Beta-J

  9. What are some other types of hooks you could use?

  10. 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)

  11. Content Skills Needed: You decide what works for your discipline Photo Credit: CarstenTolkmit

  12. 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

  13. Teaching Skills Related to Software • Does this belong in the curriculum? • The challenge of doing things “right” • Taking the time to develop transferrable knowledge

  14. Managing the Process: Use timelines and assessments to ensure students are mastering content and technology skills

  15. 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

  16. Trail Markers • Enlist help! (tech ed teachers, parents, etc.) • 4x4 posts with hinged flap containing QR code • Consider post holders

  17. Orienteering Trail

  18. 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

  19. Assessment • Individual and group assessments • Constant formative assessment • Have students document their progress throughout the project Photo Credit: Scott Smith

  20. Celebration: Every big accomplishment should be acknowledged!

  21. Unexpected Outcomes

  22. Future Plans Photo Credit:Sancho McCann Photo Credit: Nat Tarbox Photo Credit: V. H. Hammer

  23. Replication • Gain administrative approval • Decide on a content area • If necessary, consider modification for indoors or temporarily mounted QR codes Photo Credit: PhOtOnQuAnTiQuE

  24. 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 interpretive trail)

  25. Questions?

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