Unit 10
It has felt like this semester has gone by so incredibly fast, and I cannot believe that I am writing my last blog post already. I originally registered for this course for a few reasons. First, because it was offered as an online class, and throughout covid, I realized that I loved the added flexibility you have in online classes. Second, this was one of my restricted elective options and third, I love all things about nature and had been planning on taking this course since my first year. I am incredibly happy that it finally fit into my schedule during my last semester.
Throughout this course, I have learned a lot about interpretation as a whole and have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities I was given. For example, I found Tumblr blog posts to be much more enjoyable than regular discussion posts on courselink. Likewise, although we did generally have prompts, I loved the weeks when we could write about whatever came to our minds. As well, I loved reading other classmates’ blogs and enjoyed seeing the cool pictures that classmates shared. Additionally, the podcast assignment gave me the opportunity to try something completely different than I had before. It was my first time creating a podcast, and it was an enjoyable experience overall. I would love to hear your thoughts about the course in general and the assignments we were given!
Now, I would like to discuss the beliefs, ethics, and responsibilities that I may carry as a nature interpreter. To begin, I believe that every individual on this earth should have the right to see, enjoy, and immerse themselves in nature. Although this may not happen for every individual due to factors such as privilege, it is something that we should strive for. As a reminder, privilege can be defined as “a right or immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage, or favour” (“Privilege definition & meaning, n.d.). Personally, I would define privilege as an individual or group that has an advantage over another individual or group of people. Privilege is frequently associated with factors such as gender, health, race, and economic status; all these factors play a role in the opportunities provided to specific individuals. Like privilege, it is important to consider the barriers that some people face such as, economic, cultural, communication, lack of knowledge, and fear (Beck et al., 2018). Overall, there are many factors at play that affect what opportunities are given to which individuals, and I believe we should strive for a more even playing field or at the least give children the opportunity to see, enjoy, and immerse themselves in nature. For example, incorporating this into the curriculum and having field trips and activities that are based on the idea of allowing children to see and enjoy nature, regardless of family status. In addition, I believe in respect and kindness when it comes to interpretation. Trying new activities can be scary and intimidating; therefore, I believe that all individuals should be treated with kindness and respect and be given help and guidance when trying new activities in nature. For example, canoeing can be tricky for beginners as can backcountry camping. Throughout my summers living in Algonquin, I have seen many individuals go camping for the first time or try canoeing and oftentimes I watch people tip their boats right at the docks, or leave garbage behind in the backcountry, or something silly like not hanging their food and scented items correctly. It is easy for outsiders to laugh or joke about these beginners’ mistakes, or even be annoyed. But we must remember that it may be their first time and maybe they have no idea what they're supposed to do in the backcountry or how to even sit in a canoe. In these situations, kindness, respect, and a willingness to help and inform beginners could go a long way. This leads to my next belief, which is that I believe in sharing knowledge and experiences. Beck et al. (2018) explained that using a storyline approach while interpreting can be beneficial, as is using the resources and facilities accessible such as visitor centres. Having knowledge about a topic and being passionate about it, as well as having personal stories and experiences to share with an audience is essential.
Hi Meghan,
I know, I cannot believe this semester is already over, not to mention, my undergrad is almost over! I agree with your point about Tumblr posts being a little more fun than just a regular discussion post. I mean we did discuss learning styles and the importance of reaching a larger audience through images, videos, audio, etc. (Beck et al., 2018). This was my first time in my university career recording a podcast... I have done the presentations and videos, but never a podcast. I think the best thing about the podcast was that we got to do two that were presented to different audiences. I feel that sometimes we focus so much on sounding professional and knowledgeable and forget that not everyone has the same level of background knowledge as us. I think you bring up an important point and something that shows your kind-hearted character and it is the fact that you believe everyone should have the right and privilege to enjoy nature. I like the part where you mention making mistakes; Interpreting nature can be challenging and not for everyone, but it should be in the kindness of our hearts to help others and let them try. Some people may absolutely hate camping, but that does not necessarily mean they hate nature. Someone may hate swimming, again, this does not mean they hate nature. We all interact and build our relationship with nature differently and that is why it is important that we share our experiences and open our minds to other people’s interpretations. Anyways, good luck with the rest of your semester and thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: for a better world. Sagamore Venture.












