Week Eleven: Technology and the Outdoors
There’s something very thrilling about blending the joys of technology with the simplicity of the outdoors. This week, I’ve been reflecting on how these two seemingly opposing worlds are sometimes able to come together to create some of the most memorable and meaningful experiences I’ve had, especially as a young child growing up!
When I was a kid, I discovered something that turned my local parks, forests, and hiking trails into opportunities for adventure: geocaching. I was introduced to this fun activity by a childhood friend’s parents who were constantly creating adventures outdoors, and they were able to bring me along to introduce me to it.
For those who haven’t tried it, the activity of geocaching is like a more complex treasure hunt. You use GPS coordinates from an app or website, or an actual GPS device back when I was a kid, to find small hidden containers (called caches) hidden away in nature. Inside, you could possibly find trinkets, logbooks, or sometimes surprises left behind by other explorers. Looking back, geocaching didn’t just get me outdoors. It sparked a lot of curiosity, teamwork, and love for nature and the community around me. It taught me how technology doesn’t have to be at odds with nature, and can be used to enhance our lives, not just distract us. In a world where devices often pull kids away from outdoor play, geocaching reminds me of how intentional use of technology can bridge these two worlds.
As a teacher, I never want to forget about my experiences with geocaching. I want to use those memories to inspire activities that utilize technology to inspire curiosity for the natural world among my students. Maybe we could organize geocaching adventures in the surrounding community?
