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Using Google Drive Technology to Enhance Quantitative Learning and
Understanding of Personal Natural Resource Use
Boston University 2013 Instructional Innovation Conference
Peter Busher & Andy Andres
Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
College of General Studies
Boston University
Innovation OUTLine
• CGS Natural Sciences – Goals and Learning Objectives
• Introduction to Google Drive Technology
• How this Project Supports the Learning Objectives in the Course
• Results – Big Data
• How this Technology can be Applied to all Disciplines
The Natural Sciences at the College of General Studies:
Goals and Learning Objectives
• Exciting pedagogical opportunity because our students are non-majors and this is a required course
• Learn the process of science through active participation
• Develop critical thinking skills
• Develop each student’s sense of becoming an active “citizen scientist”
• Encourage participation in scientific problems they will encounter in the lifetimes
• Further understanding of nature and the role humans play in the world
Major Paradigm of NS 202: Human Ecology
• A Course Designed to teach (mostly) non-majors about:• Science of Ecology• Fundamentals of Environmental Science• Human Ecology • Urban Ecology, specifically the ecology in and
around the Boston area• Develop skills useful across disciplines
Personal resource Use
• Enhance Student Learningo Go beyond small groups or
individuals (big data v. small data)
o Use of models to understand ecological systems
o Use statistics and quantitative reasoning
Summary
• Students used free Google Drive technology to create large datasets
• Enhanced student awareness of personal resource use
• Enhanced student awareness of average BU student resource use
• Enhanced quantitative and analytical skills for students who are non-majors in science
• Using technology to enhance learning that is applicable across disciplines