Play, Learn, and Teach Outdoors—Network (PLaTO-Net): terminology, taxonomy, and ontology
Authors: Lee Eun-Young , de Lannoy Louise , Li Lucy , de Barros Maria Isabel Amando , Bentsen Peter , Brussoni Mariana , Crompton Lindsay , Fiskum Tove Anita , Guerrero Michelle , Hallås Bjørg Oddrun , Ho Susanna , Jordan Catherine , Leather Mark , Mannion Greg , Moore Sarah A. , Sandseter Ellen Beate Hansen , Spencer Nancy L. I. , Waite Susan , Wang Po-Yu , Tremblay Mark S. ,   participating PLaTO-Net members, Adams Mary Louise , Alden Christine , Aubert Salomé , Beaudry Marie-Claude , Berrigan Félix , Champkins Alan , Cordovil Rita , McKinnon-Côté Émilie , Daigle Patrick , Demchenko Iryna , Ellinger Jan , Faulkner Guy , Halsall Tanya , Harvey David , Hunter Stephen , Irvine Richard , Jones Rachel , Johnstone Avril , Kjellsson Anders Wånge , Lacoste Yannick , Larimore Rachel A. , Larouche Richard , Lopes Frederico , Lynch Helen , Mall Christoph , Manyanga Taru , Martin Anne , Molenaar Gail , Morrison Shawnda A. , Mota Jorge , Nikiforidou Zoi , Parrington Alexandra , Parsons Katie , Point Mathieu , Pyper Shelagh , Ritchie Stephen D. , van Rooijen Martin , Scoon Vanessa , Standage Martyn , Stone Michelle , Truong Son , Uddin Riaz , Silva Diego Augusto Santos , Vanderloo Leigh M. , Welensky Rosemary , Wentzell Erin , Winje Øystein , Zeni Megan , Zorica Milos 
Published: June 2022

Background

A recent dialogue in the field of play, learn, and teach outdoors (referred to as “PLaTO” hereafter) demonstrated the need for developing harmonized and consensus-based terminology, taxonomy, and ontology for PLaTO. This is important as the field evolves and diversifies in its approaches, contents, and contexts over time and in different countries, cultures, and settings. Within this paper, we report the systematic and iterative processes undertaken to achieve this objective, which has built on the creation of the global PLaTO-Network (PLaTO-Net).

Methods

This project comprised of four major methodological phases. First, a systematic scoping review was conducted to identify common terms and definitions used pertaining to PLaTO. Second, based on the results of the scoping review, a draft set of key terms, taxonomy, and ontology were developed, and shared with PLaTO members, who provided feedback via four rounds of consultation. Third, PLaTO terminology, taxonomy, and ontology were then finalized based on the feedback received from 50 international PLaTO member participants who responded to ≥ 3 rounds of the consultation survey and dialogue. Finally, efforts to share and disseminate project outcomes were made through different online platforms.

Results

This paper presents the final definitions and taxonomy of 31 PLaTO terms along with the PLaTO-Net ontology model. The model incorporates other relevant concepts in recognition that all the aspects of the model are interrelated and interconnected. The final terminology, taxonomy, and ontology are intended to be applicable to, and relevant for, all people encompassing various identities (e.g., age, gender, culture, ethnicity, ability).

Conclusions

This project contributes to advancing PLaTO-based research and facilitating intersectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration, with the long-term goal of fostering and strengthening PLaTO’s synergistic linkages with healthy living, environmental stewardship, climate action, and planetary health agendas. Notably, PLaTO terminology, taxonomy and ontology will continue to evolve, andPLaTO-Netis committed to advancing and periodically updating harmonized knowledge and understanding in the vast and interrelated areas of PLaTO.