Digital Observation Technology Skills

Graphical Abstract

Digital Observation Technology Skills (DOTS) is a framework for integrating modern, mobile technology into outdoor, experiential science education. DOTS addresses longstanding tensions between modern technology and classical outdoor education by carefully selecting appropriate digital technology for educational purposes and by situating these tools in classical experiential pedagogy.

Abstract

Practitioners of experiential, outdoor education, who primarily teach in informal science learning (ISL) settings, have seen extensive debate about the role of modern digital technology in their field. Some educators welcome education technology as a way to engage students, but others argue that they feel too much pressure to incorporate digital technology in their lessons without proper consideration for its role in learning goals. It’s true that as digital devices become more ubiquitous in students’ lives, educators face the task of reconciling modern technology with pedagogic practice. Today’s young learners have access to technology like autocorrect and spell check that make day-to-day life easier. This technology, however, may also impede an important learning process that occurs when students have to think through the editing process and make decisions about the clarity of their writing.

Keywords:

• Informal Education

Supplemental Material

Author Contributions

R. Justin Hougham ([email protected]) is associate professor of environmental education and the director of the Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center at the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.

Marc Nutter ([email protected]) is the facility director for Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center and assistant professor at University of Wisconsin–Extension in Madison, Wisconsin.

Caitlin Graham ([email protected]) is a research naturalist at Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center and assistant professor at University of Wisconsin–Extension in Madison, Wisconsin.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

R. Justin Hougham

R. Justin Hougham ([email protected]) is associate professor of environmental education and the director of the Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center at the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.

Marc Nutter

Marc Nutter ([email protected]) is the facility director for Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center and assistant professor at University of Wisconsin–Extension in Madison, Wisconsin.

Caitlin Graham

Caitlin Graham ([email protected]) is a research naturalist at Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center and assistant professor at University of Wisconsin–Extension in Madison, Wisconsin.