Using a Drone as a Vehicle for Learning
Submission Type
75-minute Hands-on Workshop
Abstract
This session describes a freshman seminar in which a drone was used in a mock humanitarian aid mission to map a disaster area and deliver aid. As well as teaching teamwork skills, the mission became a focal point for learning activities relating to intercultural understanding and the value of multiple perspectives. Since drones have applications in many fields, this class may be a useful model for other experiential classes in the Humanities. Participants will have an opportunity to try a flight simulator and will leave the workshop with an idea of what is involved in conducting such a class.
Start Date
5-23-2018 1:30 PM
Description
This session describes a freshman seminar in which a drone was used in a mock humanitarian aid mission to map a disaster area and deliver aid. Since drones have applications in many fields, the class presented here may be a useful model for other experiential classes in the Humanities. Indeed, the mapping tools presented might be used to support many different digital humanities applications. This workshop is intended to spark ideas for creating engaging experiential learning environments.
Here is the workshop plan:
1) The workshop will first cover the class organization:
Students first researched disaster areas in developing countries and created a website presenting their research as well as a short “pitch” video. After viewing the videos and reviewing the research, the class decided to choose a single scenario. Students were divided into teams and each team had specific task for each flight. The class produced artifacts that included a website, documentary video, as well as flight maps.
2) Next we will talk about class learning outcomes. As well as teaching teamwork and organizational skills, the mission became a focal point for introducing discussions and activities relating to intercultural understanding and the value of multiple perspectives. Examples will be given to illustrate these class activities.
3) Then participants will have an opportunity to try their hand flying a drone using a flight simulator to see just how easy it is.
4) We will conclude with a brainstorming session in which participants work in small groups to
brainstorm ideas for their own classes where a drone might be useful.
Outcomes: Participants will leave the workshop with an understanding of what’s involved in conducting a drone-based class, including cost, necessary skills, supporting technologies, legal and safety considerations, and staffing.
Final Workshop Slides
Using a Drone as a Vehicle for Learning
This session describes a freshman seminar in which a drone was used in a mock humanitarian aid mission to map a disaster area and deliver aid. As well as teaching teamwork skills, the mission became a focal point for learning activities relating to intercultural understanding and the value of multiple perspectives. Since drones have applications in many fields, this class may be a useful model for other experiential classes in the Humanities. Participants will have an opportunity to try a flight simulator and will leave the workshop with an idea of what is involved in conducting such a class.
Comments
Class website: https://sites.google.com/su.edu/eye-in-the-sky/home