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| Teaching with tech: utilizing advances in technology to supplement animal behavior education in the classroom |
| Sandra Troxell-Smith. Oakland University, Rochester, MI, United States |
Student engagement can be difficult, even in an animal behavior classroom. While learning about animals and their decision-making appeals to many students, so much of animal behavior content is best observed directly in order to be understood. Therefore, there is common reliance on the use of video clips in order to demonstrate typical behaviors, which indeed serves that purpose. However, use of innovative technology can supplement the depth of topics discussed within an animal behavior classroom. Camera technology has progressed beyond simple trail cams, to motion-activated cameras housed in both bird feeders and nest boxes. Utilizing technology, students can directly document behaviors otherwise difficult to observe, complementing their learning within the classroom. Moreover, simple manipulations to variables associated with these devices can allow students to develop robust behavioral research projects using simple data collection methods. Various projects utilizing trail cameras, motion-activated bird feeders, and motion-activated nest boxes will be discussed as potential starting points, accompanied by a discussion of possible benefits and limitations. |