Using online learning to increase the profile of marine observing systems, an Australian example
Drs Ana Lara-Lopez and Peter Strutton, University of Tasmania (UTAS)
The Framework for Ocean Observing provided general guiding principles for ocean observing systems, including “strong efforts in education, outreach and capacity building to create a broader understanding of ocean influences …”. In this space, the Framework for Ocean Observing task team recommended developing educational products and focusing on ways to support broad capacity building.
As one of the largest marine jurisdictions on earth, Australia needs to attract, train and retain the next generation of marine scientists. The steep increase in available marine data in Australia and around the world, together with the rapid development of cyberinfrastructure and widespread use of the web creates opportunities to train future marine scientists capable of understanding, using and interpreting these vast observational data sets. This will ensure that new graduates have the necessary skills in current and emerging marine science fields and have the ability to access Australian and international databases.
The Integrated Marine Observing System, the University of Tasmania and the Australian Institute of Marine Science have developed online teaching and learning modules that include tools for the use and interpretation of its marine observations and increase its profile in Australia and overseas. These modules are focused on marine biogeochemistry and are free and openly available through the University’sOpen2U system.
The modules have been structured as self-learning lectures, but the material is also available as a resource that teachers can use and adapt for their own teaching purposes. Three different topics are covered in these modules: Primary Productivity, Carbon Cycle and Ocean Acidification, and include hands-on exercises using real ocean observations.
More information on the webinar series »