Ecological survey of the Freshwater Ecology and Conservation Lab, University of Washington

Dear Ecological Society of New Zealand Member,

We are seeking information from instructors at institutions of higher-education who are currently leading, or are interested in leading, efforts to collect ecological data through class-based activities. This survey takes approximately 15 - 20 minutes to complete, and will contribute to a global review on the extent and types of ecological data collected by students, and provide insight into the opportunities and challenges associated with these class-based efforts to support desired educational and scientific outcomes. We ask that you complete this survey and/or forward this survey to colleagues or your association list-serve (if applicable). The survey can be found at the HEED Survey link: http://washington.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9pnee1codxAuBrn. We ask that you complete the survey by May 17, 2018. All responses are anonymous.

Background

Many classes (courses, units, modules, etc,) in institutions of higher-education (including universities and colleges) have field excursions where instructors guide students in the collection of ecological and environmental data. Although data collection during class field excursions are undoubtedly occurring, there is little understanding of the geographic extent and characteristics of these efforts, and the institutional and logistic challenges and opportunities that instructors have when maintaining, or considering new, class field excursions.

In order to address this issue, we are seeking the opinion of instructors from institutions of higher-education. Please click here to complete the survey. Also, we ask that you forward this e-mail to any colleagues or organizations to reach other instructors who are currently, or might be interested in, leading class-based efforts to collect ecological data. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Olden Research Lab (oldenlab@uw.edu). Thank you very much for your time!
 

Sincerely,

Julian Olden and the Freshwater Ecology and Conservation Lab @ UW 
Higher Education Ecological Data (HEED) Survey Team (oldenlab@uw.edu)
Seattle, Washington, 98105, United States
https://depts.washington.edu/oldenlab/