Citizen science at the Open University, UK: A holistic approach connecting research, teaching, learning and engagement

Ansine, Janice and Araya, Yoseph (2022). Citizen science at the Open University, UK: A holistic approach connecting research, teaching, learning and engagement. In: UK-China Conference on the Development of Science Literacy for All, 05 Dec 2022, Shanghai, China and Online.

URL: https://ukbusinessinchina.glueup.cn/event/uk-china...

Abstract

This presentation shares a snapshot of citizen science practice at The Open University, UK where connections are established that link science research, teaching, learning and engagement; creating a holistic approach. Our practice incorporates using innovative technology to make learning accessible. This includes citizen science initiatives that engage while building skills; supporting teaching and learning about biodiversity; as well as contributing to biological recording and research . Examples with approaches achieving this type of impact are:
• www.iSpotnature.org (iSpot) encourages recording wildlife observations while learning and building species identification skills. iSpot also contributes to research e.g. the Cos4Cloud and DECIDE projects;
• www.Treezilla.org (Treezilla) is an ambitious effort to catalogue the UK’s trees while building understanding of their ecosystem service value. Treezilla also contributes to research e.g. the UK Future of Treescapes project Branching Out.
We demonstrate how citizen science acts as a platform for scientific literacy: both iSpot and Treezilla contribute to formal (i.e. taught modules) and informal (free courses, see http://www.open.ac.uk/citizen-science-and-global-biodiversity) OU teaching. With learning as part of the design, educational technology- based tools and features are incorporated along with activities encouraging public participation and engagement. Altogether this holistic approach helps to facilitate teaching and research creating a unique learning journey.

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