Enhancing Outdoor Learning Through Participatory Design and Development: A Case Study of Embedding Mobile Learning at a Field Study Centre

Abstract

Outdoor learning seeks to engage and enthuse students through authentic practical inquiry lessons. This article explores how participatory design and development can enable outdoor learning organisations to introduce sustainable technological innovations within their teaching practices. A case study describing a collaborative project between university researchers and an environmental education charity is presented, which highlights the challenges and issues regarding the usability, scalability and sustainability of mobile technology at a residential outdoor learning centre. It is argued that participatory research with education service providers is a contributing factor to the diffusion of mobile learning and a necessary foundation for sustainable technology-enhanced learning.