The Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of a One-Credit, Undergraduate Level On-Line Course Titled NRES 358/558 Biodiversity and Conservation Biology

Abstract

The goal of this research was to develop an online biodiversity course that increases biodiversity literacy in adult participants (primarily formal educators), is perceived as a valuable educational tool, and provides concepts and material that educators can take back to their classrooms. Biodiversity and Conservation Biology (NRES 358/558) was the first online course developed for the College of Natural Resources at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and is one model of an online course. It is hoped that this · research can be used as a guide for the development, implementation, and evaluation of future online courses. The development and implementation process involved a Course Development Committee that aided in course design, material selection, and served as a validity panel. The first official course was implemented the spring of 2000. The overall evaluation process included both formative and summative evaluations. The formative evaluation was a pilot study that assessed course content and course design. The summative evaluations included a final course assessment and a telephone survey of participants one year after the initial course. Based on the pilot study and spring 2000 course evaluations, the online course increased biodiversity literacy and participants rated it as a valuable educational tool. The telephone survey also supported these results and confirmed that teacher participants are using biodiversity concepts learned and course materials acquired in their classrooms. Participants also responded that they would take another online course as a result of the biodiversity online course experience. Course changes as a result of the evaluations included increased opportunities for interaction between the instructor( s) and class participants, and between the class participants themselves. Additional reference material was included to increase coverage and depth of the topic.