Abstract

Kids and nature seem like a natural combination, but what was natural a generation ago is different today. Children are spending less time outdoors but continue to need nature for their physical, emotional, and mental development. This fact has led author Richard Louv to suggest that today's children are suffering from "nature-deficit disorder" (2008). Nature-deficit disorder is not a medical term, but rather a term coined by Louv to describe the current disconnect from nature. According to Louv, children need nature for learning and creativity (2008). A hands-on experiential approach, such as nature exploration, can have other benefits for students, such as increased motivation and enjoyment of learning and improved skills, including communication skills (Haury and Rillero 1994). This article describes using technology as a tool to provide and enhance students' connection with nature. Students use digital photography of nature to tell a story. (Contains 4 figures and 10 online resources.)

Citation

Holloway, P. & Mahan, C. (2012). Enhance Nature Exploration with Technology. Science Scope, 35(9), 23-28. Retrieved August 31, 2024 from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/113534/.

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Keywords

• communication skills
• Ecology
• Environmental Education
• Experiential learning
• Outdoor Education
• photography
• Photojournalism
• Story Telling
• Technology Uses in Education
• Video Technology