Bridging the gap: increasing accessibility to authentic learning in undergraduate education

Area of Science:

• STEMM Education
• Authentic Learning
• Open Educational Resources

Background:

• Authentic learning, involving real-world engagement, improves STEMM students' knowledge, skills, and retention.
• Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) and research experiences for undergraduates (REUs) boost scientific understanding and career interest but are resource-intensive.
• Barriers like cost, time, and responsibilities limit student access to valuable research experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce Free Interactive Research-based Experiences (FIREs) as an accessible authentic learning model.
• Present the Online Content for Experiential Learning of Tropical Systems (OCELOTS) network as a case study for FIREs.
• Highlight the potential of FIREs to broaden access to authentic STEMM learning.

Main Methods:

• Developed open-access, adaptable modules grounded in tropical biology research.
• Utilized the Gala platform for hosting multilingual, integrative learning resources.
• Incorporated real datasets, visualizations, and simulations for hands-on learning without specialized infrastructure.

Main Results:

• Instructor feedback indicates increased student engagement, conceptual understanding, and appreciation for science.
• OCELOTS modules provide authentic learning experiences adaptable to various settings.
• FIREs demonstrate a viable alternative to resource-intensive traditional research programs.

Conclusions:

• FIREs complement existing authentic learning frameworks and should be integrated into STEMM curricula.
• Prioritizing assessment of FIREs' impact is crucial for future adoption and support.
• FIREs offer a scalable solution to democratize access to authentic STEMM research experiences.