Learning ecologies and learning ecology – ecology education in a connected world

Background/Question/Methods

What are learning ecologies and how might this idea influence the way people learn ecology? Learning ecologies refer to learner-centric networks of educational resources. Web and mobile technologies support access to diverse learning resources including online materials, mobile apps, games, intelligent tutors, augmented realities, massive open online courses (MOOCs), distributed mentoring, and social networks. It is increasingly recognized that learning occurs through mediated interaction between the learner, these 21^stcentury learning resources, and more traditional learning resources and institutions. Mobile devices can mediate learner interactions among resources, with the potential to support personalized learning experiences and development of learner identity.

Results/Conclusions

I will share case studies highlighting the use of mobile technologies for learning ecological concepts and skills. Affordances of mobile devices include location and context awareness, which can draw learners’ attention to characteristics of local ecosystems and can situated their learning in physical and social contexts that are personally meaningful and relevant to daily life. Mobile devices also provide ready access to online information, social networks, and cognitive aids (like simulations, visualizations, and augmented views) all of which can flexibly support ecological understanding and development of scientific skills. I will explore the potential of mobile technologies to support personalized learning experiences that transcend boundaries between traditionally siloed educational resources and institutions.