Leveraging Online Tools to Support Observational Fluency in Citizen Science: A Case Study of Macroinvertebrates.org

• In Event: Informal Education Using Online and Hybrid Tools

Abstract

Observation is a complex scientific practice that is difficult to learn without support. In the context of water quality biomonitoring, citizen science volunteers must develop observational skills to accurately identify aquatic macroinvertebrates. Yet traditional tools are inadequate for highlighting relevant diagnostic characteristics volunteers need to see during the identification process. [Redacted] is a visually-based, interactive online tool to support volunteers’ noticing of salient specimen features. Researchers used a case study approach to examine changes in volunteers’ observational fluency (i.e., their accuracy and use of explanatory talk referencing relevant features and scientific vocabulary) after participating in trainings using the online tool. Results suggest that trainings incorporating such tools can positively impact citizen science volunteers’ development of observational skills.

Authors

• Camellia Wynona Sanford-Dolly, Rockman et al Cooperative

• Marti Louw, Carnegie Mellon University