What is Adventure learning? 


Excited students and Doering in Pelly Bay, Nunavut, Canada

Excited students in Pelly Bay,
Nunavut, Canada
 
The Arctic online education programs delivered annually at PolarHusky.com since 2000, have served to model the implementation of adventure learning and its seven principles!

Adventure learning (AL) is a hybrid distance education approach that provides students with opportunities to explore real-world issues through authentic learning experiences within collaborative learning environments!

Within adventure learning programs, students' learning processes are created through the transformation of experience and involve pursuing answers to their own questions rather than the rote memorization of facts. Through inquiry, students engage in dialogue, take action, and reflect on possible outcomes.  

The first-ever adventure learning program was delivered here at PolarHusky.com in a collaboration between Lotus IBM and NOMADS Adventure & Education, headed up by Mille Porsild and Paul Pregont.

Collaboration between Mille Porsild of NOMADS and Dr. Aaron Doering of the University of Minnesota since pioneered work in the educational theory of adventure learning. Based on the successful learning experience provided by adventure learning programs delivered annually at PolarHusky.com since 2000, a theoretical framework was developed to guide adventure learning projects throughout the world. This framework includes seven principles:

>> A researched curriculum grounded in problem solving

>> Collaboration and interaction between students, experts, peers, and content

>> The utilization of the Internet for curriculum and learning environment delivery

>> The enhancement of curriculum with media and text from the field in a timely manner

>> Synched learning opportunities with the adventure learning curriculum

>> Pedagogical guidelines of the curriculum and online learning environment

>> Education that is adventure-based