Environmental learning and mobile computing

Background/Question/Methods Playback surveys, a longstanding method of assessing species populations, involve broadcasting vocalizations from a specific location in the natural habitat, stimulating vocal and other behavioral responses from resident individuals of that species, which are tallied to create census data. Conventionally, such surveys have been performed on site by biologists or citizen scientists, sometimes requiring them to spend long periods in uncomfortable or unsafe locations. Can playback surveys be automated through cellphones while retaining their effectiveness? The Owl Project illustrates the potential role of mobile-based technology in enhancing existing modes of human-nature interaction. I have explored the use of mobile devices, sensors and the Internet to conduct owl playback surveys, obviating the need for on-site observers and also providing added benefits. First, broadcasts can be adapted, in real time, in response to owl vocalizations. Second, internet users can participate in the survey, facilitating implementation of the survey over a wide geographic area. The phone survey method provides scalability, i.e. ease of increasing the number of participants, as well as flexibility and ease of access to survey results in real time. A mobile phone, connected to the Internet, thus becomes a powerful tool in the hands of citizen scientists, biologists or activists. Results/Conclusions Mobile computing devices can facilitate interactive surveys and significantly enhance the associated learning experience.