FossilSketch: A novel interactive web interface for teaching university-level micropaleontology

Anonymous

Keywords: Interactive Learning Systems, Web Applications, Micropaleontology, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Digital Sketch Recognition, Human-Computer Interaction

TL;DR: FossilSketch is a web application that teaches geology students important concepts in micropaleontology via various interactive exercises including sketching interactions

Abstract: Micropaleontology studies fossils that are very small and require the use of a microscope. Micropaleontologists use microfossils to analyze data critical for estimating future sea level rise, understanding the causes of past climate upheavals, and finding economically important resources like oil and gas. This subject is taught as part of some geology classes at the undergraduate and graduate university level, but training in this field is time-consuming and less classroom time is typically devoted to the topic. Although demand for geoscientists is projected to grow, fewer students are exposed and trained in micropaleontology. Geosciences currently need micropaleontologists as the population of experts is declining. While interactive math and engineering web interfaces are recently becoming more common, a similar system that provides students with a repository of knowledge and interactive exercises in the micropaleontology space was lacking. To address this problem of training students in micropaleontology, we developed FossilSketch: a web-based interactive learning tool that teaches, trains, and assesses students in the basics of micropaleontology. The interface we developed contains various interactions and a new template-based system to check drawn shape accuracy helps students learn characteristic features of microfossils. Our evaluation included deploying this system to 32 students in an undergraduate geology class at our university. The accompanying user study results indicate that FossilSketch is an engaging educational tool that can be deployed alongside the classroom for in-class and at-home learning. Student feedback together with our recorded submission data for various exercises suggests that FossilSketch is an effective online learning tool that serves as a helpful reference for class activities, allows for remote learning, presents helpful and engaging interactive games, and encourages repeat submissions.