Learn about the Encyclopedia of Life project, a global effort to document information about all of the estimated 1.9 million species on Earth (www.eol.org). The focus will be on how EOL, a completely free resource, can be used for curriculum development resources and to actively engage students in the process of doing science with its participatory tools and to become familiar with this life-long learning resource. Anyone can access, reuse and repurpose the authoritative scientific content, podcasts, media, and literature found on EOL. Web-based tools allow students to better access, use and share biodiversity information and to be involved in science projects, while also learning about media and technology. The following tools will be demonstrated, with specific case examples of their use:
Virtual Collections http://education.eol.org/page/collections
Electronic field guides http://education.eol.org/ideas/tools/fieldguide
Education LifeDesk tool http://www.edulifedesks.org/
The presentation will draw upon information and results gained from specific projects in formal and informal learning settings.
