The OCELOTS Network for Facilitating Online Content for Experiential Learning of Tropical Systems joins forces with BioQUEST/QUBES to work with faculty who are teach undergraduate life sciences courses and are interested in:

• Adopting an online, open-access module based on authentic research in tropical biology, hosted on the Gala platform. Participants are encouraged to customize the module for use in their classrooms.
• Working with mentors who will support the process of implementing an OCELOTS module in the participant’s course. This includes mentorship regarding best practices in active learning and the Ecological Society of America's 4DEE framework, and potentially adapting the module for their course.
• Participating in OCELOTS, a community dedicated to internationalizing the undergraduate biology education curriculum, enhancing the Gala and QUBES open-access platforms, and broadening participation in the UBE community.  

Case studies based on tropical biology research can inspire undergraduate students worldwide, if presented in an engaging online format. Many tropical researchers have cool case studies that they are eager to share, and are transforming their research into online educational modules. Our network seeks to link undergraduate instructors with this new resource.

What will you get out of this?

A. Engaging, interactive online teaching resources: You will have adopted an online module that is freely available on Gala. You will also have created and published an implementation resource that will be available on QUBES.

B. Professional development: Throughout the FMN, you will be introduced to active learning methods, the 4DEE framework, best practices in use of media in your modules, use of interactive data tools, and information about copyrights, accessibility, and inclusivity.

C. Friendly peer review: Through our bi-weekly meetings, you will receive helpful comments and suggestions about implementing the module, and will also have the opportunity to reciprocate, providing other FMN participants with feedback on their adoption of a module. 

Your Commitment:

To qualify as a participant for this FMN you must be willing to:

1. Incorporate the materials you select into at least two class periods (or equivalent) in your teaching during the Spring 2023 semester.

2. Commit ~1 hour per week for working with mentors and collaborating with other participants around the customization and implementation of the teaching materials. Additional time outside of these discussions may be required for independent work on adapting and reviewing modules.

3. Attend synchronous meetings via Zoom, held bi-weekly (once every two weeks). The initial Kick-off in mid-January 2023 will last one hour; all other meetings will last 30 minutes. Participants spend ~30 minutes checking out materials and posting discussion comments for each meeting.

Additional Benefits:

• Letter of Completion with recognition as a 2023 OCELOTS Education Scholar upon completion of all network requirements
• Potential for scholarly publications depending on the innovations developed, or upon using the module in the classroom and evaluating impacts on student learning.
• Participants who are U.S. citizens or residents may be able to receive a payment (at least $300) upon successful completion of the FMN if their institutions allow it.

Dates & Location:

Synchronous meetings via Zoom will start with the Kick-off during mid-January 2023 (date and time TBD), followed by bi-weekly meetings (once every two weeks) thereafter through April 2023. Meeting times will be arranged, based on the participants’ schedules. The synchronous meetings will provide opportunities for learning and discussion about various aspects of module adoption, and sharing tips and support. Asynchronous meetings for implementing the module will take place as needed, as determined by the participants.

OCELOTS Spring 2023 FMN Flyer.pdf