Citizen Inquiry: A Synergy of Inquiry Learning, Online Social Networking and Citizen Science Maria Aristeidou, Eileen Scanlon, Mike Sharples Institute of Educational Technology The Open University

Outline Problem definition Background Aim of the research Research question Methodology Pilot study What’s next?

Lack of scientific literacy: – 56% of the citizens in the U.K. do not feel informed about science. – 32% of citizens report that they do not feel clever enough to understand science and technology Need for involving citizens in a more end-to- end manner Problem Definition Background Aim of the research Research Question MethodologyPilot study What’s next

Background - I Problem Definition Background Aim of the research Research Question MethodologyPilot study What’s next Inquiry-based learning: – Learning science by doing scientific work – Engagement of learners in the processes of science – Knowledge as isolated facts that have nothing to do with the real world Personal Inquiry project (nQuire) –

Tools Communication School based Personal Inquiries Inquiry process

Citizen Science: – “Volunteers partner with scientists to answer real- world questions” (Citizen Science Central, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2013). – Aim: to produce more science – Volunteers involved in data collection/analysis – Powerful tool for public education – Examples of well-known Citizen Science projects Background - II Problem Definition Background Aim of the research Research Question MethodologyPilot study What’s next

Citizens adding observations, images and locations to iSpot (right) Citizens adding observations, images and locations to iSpot (right) Citizens classifying galaxies in Galaxy Zoo (left)

Aim of the research “Citizen Inquiry”: New approach to technology-mediated science: – Facilitates citizens to run their own investigation – Combines Inquiry-based Learning and Citizen Science – Supported by web-based inquiry environment Problem Definition Background Aim of the research Research Question MethodologyPilot study What’s next

Research Question Can amateur scientists engage in successful inquiry based learning through – Peer collaboration – Mentoring by experts in – Informal settings Problem Definition Background Aim of the research Research Question MethodologyPilot study What’s next

Design-based research method: – Sequence of design-studies – Qualitative and quantitative research – Analyses the interactions of participants with the technology, the activities and the other participants. Design-study #1: Pilot study Methodology Problem Definition Background Aim of the research Research Question MethodologyPilot study What’s next

Expert and Amateur Geologists Online platform nQuire Rock Investigations Data collection: – Questionnaires, System Usability Scale, published investigations, Online focus group discussion, online and face-to-face interviews Problem Definition Background Aim of the research Research Question MethodologyPilot study What’s next

Inquiry Results Inquiry Diagram nQuire Forum

What’s next? Data analysis: – Engagement with the inquiry process – Forms of engagement – Types and use of support – Effectiveness of nQuire tools Understanding of citizens’ engagement in online scientific investigation – Re-design of pedagogy and technology – Design-study #2 Problem Definition Background Aim of the research Research Question MethodologyPilot study What’s next

Thank you!