Biology education faces a critical challenge: while biodiversity loss accelerates globally, students graduate with an inability to identify species or understand their ecological functions. This so-called 'species illiteracy' undermines the capacity of the next generation to find and implement solutions to halt the biodiversity crisis.
BotanizeR
The project by Weigelt and Robroek transforms the way biology is taught at Radboud University. Students progress from basic species identification in the first year to more quantitative ecological analysis of species and their ecological interactions in advanced courses. Central to the project is that students develop their personal species portfolios using the online platform BotanizeR, which will offer each student a personalized learning pathway tailored to their individual learning goals. The platform leverages gamification through achievement levels and competitive challenges to create an engaging and motivating learning environment. Unlike traditional, often memorization-based botanical education, students engage in constructivist learning where personal discoveries connect to broader ecological understanding.
"With this project, students across all biology specializations will enhance their species literacy and improve their understanding of ecological functions. Furthermore, biology graduates will be equipped with practical identification skills essential for environmental careers," says Robroek.
Weigelt adds: "The open-source platform enables scalability to other taxa and curricula, not only in the Netherlands but worldwide, through adaptation to regional biotas. This way we can contribute to addressing species illiteracy on a global scale, demonstrating how technology enhances rather than replaces field-based learning."
With the Comenius Fellowship, Weigelt and Robroek can further develop their innovative approach, contributing to a new generation of biologists equipped to address biodiversity crises.