Presentation outlining my pioneering use of Smart Technology in outdoor learning. Given at Institute for Outdoor Learning North West Conference January 2016

1. WORKSHOP:
USING SMARTPHONES IN
OUTDOOR LEARNING
PRESENTER: JAMES HODGES

2. WORKSHOP OUTLINE
• My technology journey
• Why Smart technology in Outdoor Learning
• Using Smart technology to innovate practice
• Explore the uses of smart technology yourselves
• Sharing our experiences and ideas

3. JAMES HODGES
• Outdoor Learning Professional
• #Edtech pioneer
• NLP Coach Practitioner
• Look for ways to innovate my
practice
• Looking for ways to increase the
impact of Outward Bound courses
• And I use these

4. MY TECHNOLOGY JOURNEY

5. MY TECHNOLOGY JOURNEY
• Fairbridge Edinburgh – Video reviewing and Garage Band
(engages young people)
• Venture Scotland – Video reviewing and presentation making
(enhances learning, creates a sense of belonging and monitors
change)
• Outward Bound – COBWEB/Field Trip, OS Locate , Video,
Photos, Twitter & Facebook (increases the impact of courses, adds
values and can transfer/anchor the learning)

6. MY TECHNOLOGY JOURNEY
• Fairbridge Edinburgh – Video reviewing and Garage Band
(engages young people)
• Venture Scotland – Video reviewing and presentation making
(enhances learning, creates a sense of belonging and monitors
change)
• Outward Bound – COBWEB/FieldtripGB, OS Locate , Video,
Photos, Twitter, Storify, YouTube, Video, Info Apps, Learning aid.

7. WHY SMART TECHNOLOGY
• Ubiquitous – they are everywhere
• Added value – innovation, the ‘cool factor’
• Impact – build rapport with the adventure
• Transfer/Anchor – extend the experience beyond the course
• Limitless applications – the digital swiss-army knife
• Pioneering – developing new ways to meet the needs of young people
• It’s the future – technology is rapidly advancing

8. IT’S UNAVOIDABLE…
• Smart technology is making its
mark, and……
Young People &
Teachers love it.

9. EXPLOSION IN SMARTPHONE USE
• “Smartphones are the most common device which British children use to
go online” (Source: Net Children Go Mobile published in Royal Statistical Society Journal Aug
2014)
• Multiple daily usages e.g. Photos, Social Networking, Google Searches,
Messaging, Wikipedia, Homework, etc…
• 68% of British primary schools use smartphones
• 69% of British secondary schools use smartphones (2014 research commissioned by
education technology charity Tablets for Schools),

10. USING SMART TECHNOLOGY TO INNOVATE
• Environmental Data Collection
• COBWEB –our catalyst
• Environmental monitoring/stewardship
• Engaging, Fun, The ‘cool factor’
• Positive feedback – very well-received
• Social Media
• Twitter, Storify and Facebook
• Reaches young people, staff and parents
• (Marketing tool)

11. USING SMART TECHNOLOGY TO INNOVATE
• Virtual Review Room
• Whiteboard
• Video (in the moment reviewing)
• Inspirational videos (Energise the experience)
• Mobile learning applications

12. Social Media
Environmental Data Collection
Mobile learning applications
SMARTPHONES - DIGITAL SWISS ARMY KNIFE
Virtual Review Room

13. EXAMPLES OF FEEDBACK
“I’ve been coming to Aberdovey for the last 8 years was great to get to try
something new” teacher
“it’s very good for exploring and discovering nature” Jenayah aged 10
“we used the COBWEB app to identify plants not just for our knowledge but for
others around the world too” yr10 pupil City Academy Hackney
“we could use this app as part of our environment club back
at school” Arjan aged 13 Haydon School
“…every teacher has been really impressed by COBWEB and keeps telling
me it’s a great way of promoting sustainability and conservation of any
environment.” Instructor Outward Bound Trust
“Cobweb has proven to be a fantastic citizen science tool. In a relatively short time,
pupils have developed an understanding of the natural system at the Dyfi NNR.
The data will play an important role in managing the reserve for years to come.”
Education Officer, NRW

14. USING SMART TECHNOLOGY TO INNOVATE?
COBWEB
Youtube clip

15. USING SMART TECHNOLOGY TO INNOVATE?
COBWEB
• Relevant & innovative use of technology to support John
Muir Award
• Citizen Science Projects (e.g. Natural Resource Wales, CAT
centre, Snowdonia National Park)
• Noticeably high levels of engagement amongst young people
• Positive remarks from visiting staff – recognise the potential
• Students can access data post course (back in school)

16. COBWEB IN ACTION

17. USING SMART TECHNOLOGY TO INNOVATE?
• ‘Captures the moment’ for posterity and for those at home
• Opportunity to share the experience with others
(“Go Eric enjoy Snowdonia”)
• Anchors the experience
• Opportunities to be used back at school
• Catalogue of memories

18. SOCIAL MEDIA

19. WHAT ELSE ?
Customisable Applications
• Create app specific to client/school
• Links to Curriculum (Geography, Digital Science, PSE)
• Subject matter of their choice
• Could make observations at school
• Geo-referencing photos and experiences
• View content when back home e.g. Google Earth
platform, excel graphs etc
• Review and compare - is it what they expected?

20. WHAT ELSE?
Citizen Science projects with education
clients (950 schools 7 local authorities)

21. YOUR TURN…….

22. SOME FINAL THOUGHTS…

23. SUMMARY
• Young people are more than familiar with this technology and I
anticipate that clients will grow to expect its use on our courses
• Smart phones/tablets are not going away
• Projects I have been involved in (COBWEB) has shown me that
mobile technology is an easy win when it comes to discovering
new and interesting ways to engage young people into learning
about the environment.
• Unlimited potential for adding value
• Social media is effective, fun and far-reaching
• Smartphones can help to ‘build rapport with the adventure’
• Smartphones and data can “stretch the experience for the
young person”

24. WHAT DO YOU THINK?

25. CONTACT DETAILS
James .Hodges@outwardbound.org.uk
James Hodges
@Jhodges_OBT
Advice and support on - Smart Technology, App
Development, Programme and Course Design, Citizen
Science Projects and Curriculum Development
Geo Smart Decisions Ltd – 01654 782778 or 07854 424375