Characterising the Educational Potentials of Citizen Science Mobile Applications Related to Biodiversity

Abstract

Twenty free-download citizen science mobile applications (apps) aimed at teaching and learning about biodiversity conservation are characterised. The analysis includes characteristics related to multimedia, content, citizen engagement and collaborative learning. The results show that there is a diversity of areas of knowledge on biodiversity where citizen science can be developed, and that multimedia resources favour the successful identification of organisms. In addition, several apps allow citizens not only to collect data but also to participate in scientific projects, thus favouring collaborative learning and recognition of their immediate environment. It is recommended that teachers select apps such as Naturalista, Natusfera, PlantNet, Appear, Geovin and Global Observer, since they have the greatest potential for taxonomic identification and offer the possibility of linking more closely with scientific projects related to biodiversity conservation.