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?
Problem Definition
• 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-toend manner
Problem
Definition
Background
Aim of the
research
Research
Question
Methodology
Pilot study
What’s next
Background - I
• 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
Problem
Definition
Background
Aim of the
research
Research
Question
Methodology
Pilot study
What’s next
• School based
• Personal Inquiries
• Inquiry process
• Tools
• Communication
Background - II
• Citizen Science:
– “Volunteers partner with scientists to answer realworld 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
Problem
Definition
Background
Aim of the
research
Research
Question
Methodology
Pilot study
What’s next
Citizens classifying galaxies in
Galaxy Zoo (left)
http://www.galaxyzoo.org/
Citizens adding observations, images and
locations to iSpot (right)
http://www.ispot.org.uk/
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
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
research
Research
Question
Methodology
Pilot study
What’s next
Methodology
• 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
Problem
Definition
Background
Aim of the
research
Research
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
research
Research
Question
Methodology
Pilot 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
Methodology
Pilot study
What’s next
Thank you!