DIY Scavenger Hunts Engaging students in content through online applications September 1, 2016

Disclaimers The web-based platforms we will be using today can be downloaded onto the district devices for use by students and teachers ---- However, for our purposes today, we will be exclusively using the smartphone versions. To make this session more collaborative, pair yourself up with a partner – if you do not have a smartphone with you today – this pairing should be helpful. Before we get started, please download the following apps using your apple or android services HUNTZZ treasure hunts KLIKAKLU SEEDLING SCAVENGER BINGO

Scavenger Hunts as web-Based Learning strategy Web-based learning platforms can be an effective way to complement traditional teaching strategies in the classroom. However, the addition of instructional technologies alone is not necessarily effective in meeting educational goals and the exclusive use of technology as opposed to traditional instructional techniques does not fulfill objectives. One problem identified with web-based learning and instructional technology is the challenge of maintaining student motivation and attention throughout the activity. Scavenger hunt games have been shown to enhance student engagement in the acquisition and application of learned content by introducing friendly competition and collaborative problem-solving to assist traditional instruction.

Scavenger Hunts: Defined A scavenger hunt, sometimes referred to as treasure hunt (geocaching), provides students with a structured challenge where the objective is to complete a task or uncover a goal. Students can complete scavenger hunts as an individual or as a part of a cooperative group. Within an instructional setting, scavenger hunts are most effective when directly connected to content knowledge and learning objectives. For example, Application of learned materials during a unit Reinforcement of content at the end of a lesson Introduction of new content using prior knowledge Assessment of learning through direct utilization of material

Three General Types of Scavenger Hunts RETRIVAL HUNTS: These hunts ask participants to find and collect a list of specific items within a designated time limit. Using web-based apps, these types of hunts most often require students to take and upload a photo of the item needed. DESTINATION HUNTS: These hunts use a series of clues and challenges in order to progress through a series of locations. These types of hunts most resemble the traditional geocaching games. JIGSAW HUNTS: This variety of hunt requires teams to acquire smaller pieces of a puzzle or components in order to reveal a larger idea or complex theme. INFORMATION HUNTS: These hunts require students to apply prior or learned content knowledge to solve a series of challenges within a set time frame.

HUNTZZ treasure hunts The Huntzz smartphone app allows you to play public treasure (scavenger) hunts and also create and share your own treasure hunts anywhere in the world for free. Best aspect of this app is that the creation tool is completely free. It allows anyone to easily create a scavenger hunt. You can share them with anyone with an iPhone/iPad, Android device or windows PC. It is designed for a field trip or public location, but can be used almost anywhere. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3uz9AQR5X0 The MET teacher’s Huntzz will be shared with you in a moment.

klikaKlu – specific photo-based hunts Klikaklu is a photo hunt game that uses your phone's GPS, camera, and advanced image matching technology. It's a great way to quickly create and play treasure hunts. This app can be used to conduct several different types of hunts and several different question types. Klikaklu is very adaptable and flexible to your instructional needs . . . It is also the most expensive of the apps I’ve reviewed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jz6TJSznqRU

Do or do not . . . There is no try -Yoda With your partner: Brainstorm some ways that either of these apps could be used in your classroom. Share on the board. Select one of the two applications – a create a small scavenger hunt that the rest of the group can attempt.