This paper explores the tension for educators between the proliferation of mobile, digital technologies, and the widely held belief that environmental learning is best nurtured through place-based approaches that emphasize direct experience. We begin by offering a general critique of technology in culture and education, emphasizing what is at stake in the new era of digital tools and climate crisis. Building an analogy to the problem of climate change, the second part of the paper takes an “adaptation and mitigation” stance toward technology in environmental learning, and offers critical conceptual guidelines for policy and practice. Invoking language that describes the worldwide response to the climate crisis is a reminder of how the everyday devices we rely on are embedded in political, economic, and ecological webs of contention. Ultimately, we hope that describing some promising adaptations of these tools and their limitations will enable learners to better understand the relation between people, place, and planet, as well as the relation of people to their tools.
Background: The current study, Project EARPOD (Engaging At-Risk Populations Outdoors, Digitally), addressed two questions: First, does the use of technology in environmental education detract from students’ experiences outdoors? Second, can these technological interventions be expanded to provide access to students and schools across the socioeconomic spectrum? Purpose: EARPOD used an integrated technology program, Digital Observation Technology Skills (DOTS), to engage underserved students in experiential education meant to increase environmental literacy and provide evaluative data for pedagogical development in environmental education. Methodology/Approach: Researchers collected data on the impact of technology-integrated environmental programming on students’ knowledge and attitudes toward using technology in outdoor education. Lessons were conducted in small groups, encouraging peer mentoring with regard to tool use and observation that promoted teamwork within groups at an informal science learning (ISL) center. Findings/Conclusions: Preliminary results showed that students reported an increase in three main characteristics with regard to technology: confidence in using technologies outdoors, knowledge of available technologies, and knowledge of using different technologies. Implications: The results of the Project EARPOD study will help future educators and administrators make decisions regarding best practices and resource allocation for the use of technology within the field of environmental education.
Background: The field of environmental education (EE) aims to produce an environmentally literate citizenry that is not only aware of environmental problems but is motivated to work toward their solution. However, much of the U.S. EE curricular focus has been on understanding the biophysical environment with rural populations, with little discussion about the environmental problems created by the dominant Western cultural norms. Purpose: Freire’s ecopedagogical framework provides a framework for this discourse, yet there are few studies exploring how to put the theory to action. Experiential education’s principles of practice provide a platform to help environmental educators make this shift. Methodology: This mixed-methods participatory action research study includes observations, 71 document reviews, 29 interviews, and 15 surveys. Findings: This study presents two unique curricular interventions that aim to disrupt cultural patterns of environmental oppression through the use of ecopedagogy. Implications: This work expands on conclusions drawn in research by Smith and Segbers which recommended both transcultural pedagogy and a willingness to move beyond traditional models of curricula. Specifically, White environmental educators and researchers must rise to the challenge of adopting and innovating ecopedagogies that empower youth to explore solutions in their communities.
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