e-xcursions
Linda Joseph’s article “Summer excursions” in May/Jun Multimedia and Internet@Schools magazine inspired me to think about how ICT may be effectively integrated with school excursions. Her article describes current typical use of technology on an excursion, for example taking a “guided tour” using an audio CD, as well as the usual internet research visiting the website of the excursion destination to obtain background information, etc. I believe that technology may be used in conjunction with excursions in much more meaningful ways than these, serving as a connecting tool to related the excursion to work done in the classroom.
Joseph suggests using the online mapping tools pre-excursion to allow students to plan their journey. Students could also use technology to record their thoughts and discoveries after an excursion in ways which go beyond a simple recount–for example, creating a digital story which uses pictures and voice-recordings to tell a more personal and meaningful story. In the future, students may even be able to bring hand-held devices on excursions to complete activities an enhance their experience.
Technology should be used in the classroom to enhance learning and promote creative and collaborative responses. When an excursion is planned to fit in with what is already being taught at school, teachers can use technology to support and consolidate experiences and relate them to classroom learning.
