Educational Technology

Few outdoor education centers currently use technological tools as a part of their educational experience. One might wonder, "What are the benefits in taking this approach to help students explore and understand the world around them?"

Technology supports our efforts to appeal to different learning styles.

With a variety of learning tools, students can understand their experiences through verbal, written, spatial, quantitative, and/or graphical means. As a result, many more students become engaged in the learning process.

Technology supports our multidisciplinary approach to learning.

Integrating different disciplines helps students combine their mathematical, logical, scientific, linguistic, artistic, and social knowledge to make their lives and interactions with the world clearer.

Technology gives us a way to reconnect with each other and extend the learning experience.

An interactive web site and participation in video conferencing via Washington’s K-12 network provide students with virtual experiences before their visits to IslandWood, while allowing them to participate in projects even after their stay at our 255-acre site.

Technology is integral to modern science.

Modeling the research techniques of biologists, engineers, and other professionals, students use technology to measure, document, interpret, obtain, and manage data.

Technology aids our efforts to support teachers.

Regardless of their disciplines, few teachers currently receive training in the use of technology. Technology allows us not only to demonstrate teaching strategies, but also to deliver training, providing teachers the skills and confidence to become leaders in their classrooms and schools.

We use technology to assist students with the modern 3 Rs: relating, reasoning, and representing. With help and advice from educators, scientists, and software professionals, we strive to incorporate technology in ways best suited to support learning at our center.

Digital still and video cameras provide opportunities for students to document their field research and communicate their knowledge and ideas.

GIS (Geographical Information Systems) manage and analyze information about the ecology of the area and to manipulate their data and observations.

Handheld devices, such as Pocket PCs, provide a variety of uses, including collecting field data through probes, recording observations, and accessing reference materials, such as digital photos, text documents, and audio files.

Computers allow students to build and test mathematical models that explore relationships and ideas, and construct multimedia presentations of their studies. They also provide a platform for Professional Development for visiting teachers