Authentic science inquiry learning at scale enabled by an interactive biology cloud experimentation lab

Zahid Hossain, Engin Bumbacher, Paulo Blikstein, Ingmar Riedel-Kruse

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

National guidelines advocate for a more sophisticated STEM education that integrates complex and authentic scientific practices, e.g., experimentation, data collection, data analysis, and modeling. How to achieve that is currently unclear for both presential and distance education. We recently developed a scalable cloud lab that enables many online users to perform phototaxis experiment with real, living Euglena cells (opposed to just simulations). Here we iteratively designed and deployed an open course on the edX platform including suitable user interfaces that facilitates inquiry-based learning on this cloud lab: Online students (>300) run real experiments (>2,300), performed data analysis, explored models, and even formulated and experimentally tested their own hypotheses. Platform and course content are now suited for global adaptation in formal K-16 education. We will demo our cloud lab at the conference.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationL@S 2017 - Proceedings of the 4th (2017) ACM Conference on Learning at Scale
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery, Inc
Pages237-240
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9781450344500
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 12 2017
Externally publishedYes
Event4th Annual ACM Conference on Learning at Scale, L@S 2017 - Cambridge, United States
Duration: Apr 20 2017Apr 21 2017

Publication series

NameL@S 2017 - Proceedings of the 4th (2017) ACM Conference on Learning at Scale

Conference

Conference4th Annual ACM Conference on Learning at Scale, L@S 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityCambridge
Period4/20/174/21/17

Keywords

  • Biology
  • Cloud lab
  • Data analysis
  • EdX
  • Education
  • Euglena
  • Inquiry-based learning
  • Interactive biotechnology
  • Learning analytics
  • Life science
  • MOOC
  • Modeling
  • Phototaxis
  • Remote experimentation
  • User interface
  • User studies

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Networks and Communications
  • Education
  • Software
  • Computer Science Applications

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