{
  "id": 12927887,
  "title": "OutsideClass: A Little Less Screen, a Little More World",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/outsideclass-a-little-less-screen-a-little-more-world",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-08T18:47:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dev.to",
    "slug": "dev-to",
    "url": "https://dev.to/phoniexcryptz001/outsideclass-a-little-less-screen-a-little-more-world-2p6k"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "This article discusses a learning website called OutsideClass, which aims to reduce screen time by encouraging learners, parents, and teachers to engage with the world around them. The website utilizes Google's open-weight Gemma model to provide explanations and observation activities based on user questions. The learning process involves asking a question, reading an activity, going outside to observe, and then reflecting on what was noticed. The website provides activity cards with focus points, safety notes, and questions for reflection. Learners can save their reflections, attach photos, try practice questions, and revisit their discoveries in a personal notebook. The website is designed for various settings, including window-based participation and can be adapted to different times and locations. Users can explore the app without creating an account and can save their activities in a notebook. The website is open-source and available on GitHub, with a clear focus on privacy and safety.",
  "summary": "This is a submission for the Hacktoberfest Open-Source AI Challenge Week 1: Touch Grass What I Built A learner can read an explanation of symmetry and still walk past a leaf without noticing either half. That gap is where OutsideClass starts. I built a learning website that turns a question into something you can notice, compare and explain in the world around you. It uses Google's open-weight…",
  "key_points": [
    "OutsideClass reduces screen time by encouraging outdoor observation.",
    "Google's Gemma model powers explanations and activities.",
    "Activities include reflection, photo attachment, and practice questions."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}