Citizen Inquiry: A Synergy of Inquiry Learning, Online Social Networking
and Citizen Science
Maria Aristeidou , Eileen Scanlon, Mike SharplesInstitute 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
Problem Definition Background Aim of the
researchResearch Question Methodology Pilot study What’s next
Background - I
Problem Definition Background Aim of the
researchResearch Question Methodology Pilot 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)– www.pi-project.ac.uk
• 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
researchResearch Question Methodology Pilot study What’s next
Citizens adding observations, images and locations to iSpot (right)http://www.ispot.org.uk/
Citizens classifying galaxies in Galaxy Zoo (left)http://www.galaxyzoo.org/
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
researchResearch Question Methodology Pilot 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
researchResearch Question Methodology Pilot 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
researchResearch Question Methodology Pilot 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
researchResearch Question Methodology Pilot study What’s next
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
researchResearch Question Methodology Pilot study What’s next