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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. Which of the following choices best describes you? A. K-12 Teacher
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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
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?
Exactly what IS an Interpretive Trail? Photo Credit: Greensprings Interpretive Trail
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
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: CarstenTolkmit
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
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!
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 interpretive trail)