Science learning in online communities of scientific investigations: evidence and suggestions

Aristeidou, Maria; Scanlon, Eileen and Sharples, Mike (2017). Science learning in online communities of scientific investigations: evidence and suggestions. In: American Educational Research Association Annual Conference 2017, 27 Apr - 01 May 2017, San Antonio, Texas, USA.

Abstract

This study is looking at how citizens engage with scientific investigations and it comprises two citizen inquiry communities: ‘Inquiring Rock Hunters’ and ‘Weather-it’. The communities originated from the idea of having citizens act as scientists. Therefore, the citizens were allowed and supported to create and facilitate investigations in collaboration with experts and based on their experience of everyday-life science. The following science learning aspects were investigated: type of learning taking place within the community, inquiry behaviour and patterns, scientific vocabulary and self-reported knowledge. Reflection on the main findings led to essential design suggestions that aim to facilitate the understanding of inquiry activities as part of a complete scientific process; balance the enjoyable parts of the projects with gains in scientific literacy; improve transferrable skills; and involve experts in conveying quality science topic culture and learning.

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