Virtual Ecological Inquiry (VEI) - A Virtual Environment for Inquiry-based Learning and Research

Texas A&M Agrilife Research, College Station TX

Investigators

Abstract

This project is developing and testing a virtual learning environment for use in undergraduate ecology courses. Built upon prior NSF-supported research, the Virtual Ecological Inquiry (VEI) environment promotes inquiry-based learning in ecology classes to enhance student conceptual knowledge related to the control of physical environment and biotic interactions on the distribution of organisms. VEI consists of three modules that provide general ecological information, a virtual tour of Wolong Nature Reserve of western China, and a web-based field investigations component that lets students perform virtual field sampling, data analysis, and interpretation of the results. Each module contains imbedded assessment units for user self-assessment, peer assessment/feedback, and non-obtrusive observations of learning behavior. By evaluating the effectiveness and impacts of IT- and inquiry-based methods in ecological education, the project team seeks to contribute to the existing undergraduate STEM education knowledge base and explore how and why virtual learning environments benefit students' learning and attitudes. The research findings will be disseminated through presentations, workshops, publications in scientific and education journals, and will serve as a template for virtual learning environments in other scientific disciplines.