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iNaturalist

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At my school we are have access to a large educational woodlot. We are fortunate enough to be able to
participate in many learning opportunities outside in nature. Recently, we were on a nature walk and tree
planting endeavour and we learned about an app that I think we will use a lot this year. iNaturalist is a
online social network comprised of anyone that is interested-- citizen scientists, biologists, naturalists and
anyone in between that has an interest in animals and explore the great outdoors. As Bates says,
"Technology and new modes of deliver open up wonderful opportunities to rethink completely the
teaching process." (Bates, 11.3.5) This app opens the door to engaging in learning in a new way.
With the app, you can take a picture of the the organism you see and crowdsource it for identification.
You can build your knowledge by exploring, connecting with others, and learn more about the nature
around you. There are a number of ways you could use this app with your students. Many of the students
on my caseload LOVE animals. This is an engaging way to learn as well as develop a leisure activity
(which is part of transition planning). You can simply use the app to identify creatures you come across or
find in your area or you can easily search and join projects that are going on in your area. You can also
see easily where else in the country and world the animal lives. It can be used in research for a project,
or finding so many animals within your area could become a project itself. With my students this year, I
plan to use this app to gather information about the species that live around us. It is a great way to guide
our outdoor and experiential learning.

Because it is an app that you use on a iPhone or iPad, with the accessibility features turned on, your
students can get the information even if the are not reading at the level that the information is written in.



ENGAGEMENT
X
The app gives a good first impression (graphics, ease of use, etc.)

The app is intuitive
X
The app opens up new ways to learn
DEVELOPMENTAL APPROPRIATENESS

The user interface is age appropriate

The subject matter appeals to the intended audience

The design matter appeals to the intended audience
INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN

The app aligns with your learning goals for your students
X
The app has a specific purpose

The app builds on skills and guides the student

The app offers personalized or adaptive features that are based on a student’s skill level
X
There are relevant opportunities for feedback, assessment, and reflection
MOTIVATION

The learning content in the app is the right level for your students

Gaming principles are used
X
The methods used to motivate align with your learning goals
X
The motivational potential exceeds the potential for distraction
ACCESSIBILITY

The app includes a range of levels for a variety of users with differing skill levels

The app supports multiple learning modalities
OTHER

Price: Free

Intended Age Group/Audience: junior high, high school, adults (specifically individuals who are interested in outdoors and animals)

References:

 Bates, T. (2016). Teaching in a digital age: Guidelines for designing teaching and learning. British Columbia: SFU Document Solutions.

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