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Wi-Fi Woods

Posted by michael on from the using-pine-and-elm dept.

Mr]-[at writes "School kids in southern England have been given PDAs and pocket radios to track down and record plants and wildlife, as part of the Ambient Wood Project. The feedback has been overwhelming positive."

3 of 85 comments (clear)

  1. Give them some digital cameras and GPS too. by mikeophile · · Score: 3, Informative
    The kids could make a really impressive multimedia presentation with all their data later.

    Adminsitrators with the purse strings really eat that kind of thing up and it would go a long way towards justifing the expense.

    A GPS unit with each child could allow the teacher with a laptop at their base to actually see where they are at all times.

    Damn, why couldn't classes have been this cool when I was a youngun?

  2. Re:What about teachin them some math, physics and by gui_tarzan2000 · · Score: 3, Informative

    In Michigan we're mandated by the state to integrate technology (i.e. electronic computing devices and related software) into ALL areas of the K-12 curriculum. We had to develop our curriculum in each educational area to include technology of all types, including devices like PDAs, computers, data recording devices, etc. so this is not something brand new. The issue isn't really why they're getting technology, it's whether or not they're using it to better their skills. That said, I am 100% for teaching concepts FIRST, technology SECOND. I don't want my kids using a calculator to do their math for example, and I don't let them at home until they understand and can do it manually. I stress being able to understand the subject first, being able to spell correctly and so on, and I DO check their homework. Having said all of that, I also think it's neat to see what they can do with technology once they understand why they're doing it... :)

    --
    Have you hugged your penguin today?
  3. faculty member by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

    who took part in this study recently joined Indiana University that is why I am posting AC (I am getting my masters here).

    The main problem I see with this experiment is that it makes the assumption that the kids will be more productive/learn more when placed in this tech ambient environment. But won't kids be just as productive if you just place them in the woods by itself? I remember when I was younger, we would love going on trips that put us outside, out of the classroom, and no ambient tech was needed to maintain our interests. All we needed was a log book, some nets, and jars!