Never in my life have I been more aware of how technology dependent we are. Sure, I knew that technology dependence is something that all developed nations are dealing with and that it is just as big in Melbourne or Sydney, but for some reason I have noticed it here. Maybe it is due to the hundreds of people I have seen engaged by their devices on the SMRT, or even the ones that attempt to walk around while watching their favourite shows (Yes that’s you lady who ran into me on the escalator)! Or perhaps it is due to the fact that the majority of our transport around the city has been zipping around in a fast, automatic subway. Whatever the reason, I have noticed, and I can’t help but wonder the potential for Information Communication Technology to increase the potential for development of others in Outdoor Education.

But it’s not a negative, technology is a massive part of how we connect now which is evident in both Australia and Singapore. Even with my chance encounters with people on the train (G’day Sang Soi and Yee Chee!) upon going our separate ways it was “email me” or “Facebook me, its how we communicate now”. Corresponding with them I learnt about their interests and they learnt about mine. I met a retired physicist and a student who was interested in e-commerce, the point is that our relationships were extended beyond that of a short train ride.

This effect was also repeated in our visit to Republic Polytechnic. We attached to a classroom and spent some time with the students, we had fun and they sought us out on social media. Now we will be able to remain in contact and extend the relationship further than a few hour visit.

It seems as though ICT has tremendous potential to develop communication skills, as well as consideration and empathy through its diverse and wide reach. Even with these blog posts we have to construct a balanced piece of work that takes into account multiple perspectives. This blog is a perfect example of how ICT can connect people from many walks of life.

But are we using it to its full potential? Even with this blog have we fully extended our reach to engage the maximum participation possible?

I’m not suggesting that ICT can be used as a substitute for the typical interpersonal development activities that Singapore organisations such as Outward Bound and the Ministry of Education do extremely well. But could it be used to further develop interpersonal skill and relationships particularly outside the traditional scope of these programs?

What strategies can we use to better implement technology to meet the interpersonal outcomes of Outdoor Education?