One of the biggest fears associated with distance learning online is the high level of technology that prevents students from exploring their surroundings and interacting with people. In a world where the tendency to adapt to climate change, economic struggles, and opportunities is becoming more and more important, practical experiences are more important than ever.
One way to deal with this challenge is to integrate PBL with learning technology. Place-based education immerses students into an environment or community-based experience. PBL courses often include field trips or field trips. Other times, the lessons are based on a specific area, community, and rich sensory details (without traveling).
Both subjects share many common goals. These goals include personal learning, student engagement, in-depth learning, creative thinking, and interdisciplinary education. PBL encourages students to analyze how they affect their environment and vice versa. This understanding expands on how they interact with other people in the community. Why not end it by carefully observing and questioning the changing world of the student, as distance learning is offered “anytime, anywhere”?
The current epidemic is a major obstacle to PBL.
Restrictions and safety concerns related to the Covid-19 and Omicron differences may hinder travel plans. If travel is not an option, there are ways to bring space and community into the virtual world. As long as students can learn about a place in a way that they can apply in their daily lives, PBL does not necessarily conflict with online learning activities.
So how does space-based education relate to education technology?
Technology and social media give students more freedom to explore and find themselves. Also, misinformation and shallow involvement create risks. The educational technology used in conjunction with PBL can create a unique learning experience on how to apply safe research in environmental research and practical activities. This type of experience helps students challenge their initial perceptions and use social media wisely.
The improved reality provides another in-depth link between educational technology and space. Appropriate, attractive views will appear instantly on the student site. AR-based environment (ie, museum or workplace) or object-based – can bring a unique experience to the student’s home. While it may not be as immersive as the imaginary reality, the added reality is to complement the experience of the world rather than to create a whole new one. It generally costs less to implement. Many AR applications run on smartphones, making this type of technology widely available.
GPS technology can connect a student’s understanding of the environment with map-related skills. GPS technology can be used to take notes or to identify points of interest that can be linked or compared to each other.
Because PBL often has a community context, technology can be used to connect students with community professionals and leaders. Live and video chat may allow a class to participate in a conversation, ask questions, or visit a prominent place. Initially, such practices may not be accessible due to time constraints and travel restrictions. Current technological advances, when integrated into virtual classrooms, may open these limits.
But how do we ensure that space-based learning and learning technology is shared?
Combining these two learning approaches goes beyond teaching everyone how to find and use relevant software. Due to the nature of PBL, schools and educators need to connect with the communities they serve. Strong relationships and open discussion highlighting in school plans will ultimately have an impact.
Place-based learning requires collaboration between educators and community leaders who have invested in improving education. For this reason, it is important to explore the cultural links between community and class. Establishing a common goal is an important first step in improving relationships in more fragmented communities.
Since space-based education is primarily about educating students to make an impact on the environment, you can encourage students and families to share ideas and opinions related to current and past lessons. How do the lessons apply in life? How do the environment and other people affect learning ability? Clear feedback on academic achievement and student engagement will help improve learning technology.
Marjori Desamito He is a freelance writer on education technology, food and beauty issues. As a lifelong student in teaching, online learning and helping students improve their writing, she is passionate about the role of technology in the learning process.
Featured Holly Mandarich, Unsplash.