Best practices for instructors using iNat participation for extra credit

[anneclewis]

@annkatrinrose

I think overall there was a stronger understanding that iNaturalist observations represent raw data for research and thus quality is important. Some of our top contributors were bio students involved in research projects.

Yes! This is my soapbox. When I introduce educators to iNat, we always start with the data, regardless of grade level. It answers the questions of “what is iNaturalist” and “why are we doing this” in an experiential way that you just don’t get when you start with how to make observations.

[upupa-epops]

@cthawley

I have seen some discussion about whether students continue to use iNat or not on previous posts (can’t find them now). I remember at least one person had good results, though I think they used iNat in a pretty structured way. I have tracked some of my projects and had a low proportion of students continue using the app (<5%) though I have done full labs with it.

Was just looking through this thread and didn’t see it linked, but I’m guessing you’re referencing this thread.