Theorizing Technological Mediation in the Outdoor Classroom

Abstract

Situated within the context of the changing nature of teaching and learning in a postdigital context, this paper aims to theorize the mediating impacts of mobile technologies on outdoor learning experiences. Technological mediation is arguably a vital, yet often neglected, aspect of pedagogical practices. Today, the increasing employment of mobile technologies is not only changing the practices of outdoor education, but also challenging the traditional values of the field. This paper calls the predominant view that technology places a barrier between learners and the environment into question and offers a novel theoretical perspective. Inspired by postphenomenological mediation theory, the paper proposes a tri-polar technological mediation and outdoor learning framework. The framework offers a deeper understanding of the different dimensions of the mediating impacts of mobile devices on the relations between learners, their peers, and the natural environment in the outdoor classroom.

The Impact of Technology on Presence in Outdoor Education

“…The two doctoral research studies provide important insights into the impacts of digital technologies on the presence of educators and learners. Broader presentations of the findings of both Research Study One and two have been provided elsewhere and we direct interested readers to those works (Hills & Thomas, 2020, 2021; van Kraalingen, 2022, 2023). In this section of the paper, we provide a synthesis of some of these findings and interpret them in line with the literature that has been discussed.…”

Kampung Wasur Sebagai Pusat Outodor Education Bagi Anak Di Kabupeten Merauke

“…Anak-anak akan belajar tentang bermain dengan orang lain dan melalui perjalanan dan petualangan baik di sekolah, rumah, atau lingkungan sekitar. Bahkan terkadang, pembelajaran tidak dapat terjadi di tingkat formal saja karena seorang anak mungkin belum mengerti konsep yang diberikan guru dalam menyampaikan pemahaman kognitif kepada anak (van Kraalingen, 2022).…”