Ecology and Earth Science Virtual Field Experiences OERs: Expanding Access to Field-Based Research Techniques for Students at a Distance
Journal Title
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Issue Date
2014
Authors
Whitley-Grassi, Nathan
Matias, Audeliz
Woo, Kevin
Publisher
Keywords
SUNY , State University of New York , IITG , Innovative Instructional Technology Grants , Virtual Field Experiences , Open Educational Resources , Distance Learning
Abstract
We propose to develop and share six ecology/earth science virtual field experiences as OERs, based on the need to develop resources and expand access to scientific field-based research techniques for students learning at a distance or with other barriers to access. The OERs will consist of a series of broad and adaptable field activities supplemented with handouts and videos from the field site to provide immersion online. Our goal is to provide students with research skills needed to increase competency in the field after graduation by engaging them in common research techniques and methods for data collection and analysis. In an effort to ensure quality, each OER will be reviewed and examined for quality and accessibility. Importantly, these OERs will be part of the larger SUNY community as a resource in an online repository in the SUNY Learning Commons (SLC) that could be utilized by future Open SUNY programs.
Description
The team took preliminary designs as part of a presentation to three venues. (Online Learning Consortium International Conference, Collage Conference on Teaching and Learning, and an Empire State Specific Event) In all three presentations we received positive feedback about the plan and our original designs. It has helped us shape our process based on these unexpected peer reviews.