In two recent biodiversity informatics meetings (Perth 2008 and Stockholm 2008), participants seemed to agree that it is very important that all people, all citizens learn about biodiversity issues.

We need lifelong biodiversity education. IUCN has a news that NatureGate online service is worth checking: http://cec.wcln.org/index.php?module=pa ... =1&pid=668

_________________
Dr. Mauri Ahlberg FLS
Professor of Biology and Sustainability Education
University of Helsinki, FINLAND

A good modern overview of lifelong learning (LLL) is Morgan-Klein & Osborne (2007): The concepts and practices of Lifelong Learning. London. Routledge. It has to be applied to the field of biodiversity informatics.

A couple of quotations:

Morgan-Klein & Osborne (2007, 1): "It is difficult to ovestate the significance of lifelong learning (LLL) in contemporary society."

Morgan-Klein & Osborne (2007, 10): "Learning through the life course"

_________________
Dr. Mauri Ahlberg FLS
Professor of Biology and Sustainability Education
University of Helsinki, FINLAND

I found a new excellent source for demontrating use of lifelong learning in educational research: Jarvis, P. (Ed.) 2009. The Routledge International Handbook of Lifelong Learning. London: Routledge.

Lifelong learning really starts at least from birth, perhaps even before that in mother's womb. In this recent handbook, there is nothing about learning of biology or biodiversity or sustainable use of biodiversity. These fields have not been researched on, although, they are of utmost importance for humankind.

Emerging NatureGate® Online Service http://www.naturegate.net
will provide plenty of opportunities for lifelong biodiversity education, including lifelong education for sustainable use of biodiversity.

Mauri

_________________
Dr. Mauri Ahlberg FLS
Professor of Biology and Sustainability Education
University of Helsinki, FINLAND

Anthony sent an email describing how to upload photos and other pictures. I am checking whether it does work or not.

Anthony's advice:

"Hi Mauri,

I've done some playing with the forum,
you should be able to upload inline images now (if
it wasn't working before)
Simply click add attachment,
select the image and once you have uploaded it,
select the "inline" option. You can then preview it
and make sure the image is displayed within the
message body.

If you need further instructions, please don't hesitate to let me know.

Best,
Anthony"

I tried to follow these instructions as closely as I was able to. The result is here:



The photographer is classroom teacher Mrs. Annukka Alppi, MSc, a doctoral student of mine.

I think the result is great. Later on I try to send a couple of more of these educational photos.

Many thanks for Anthony.

Cheers

Mauri

_________________
Dr. Mauri Ahlberg FLS
Professor of Biology and Sustainability Education
University of Helsinki, FINLAND

This is the second trial of uploading a photo the our Online Forum.
The text attached to the photo explains all that it is about: citizen science and general education, including species level biodiversity education, are closely linked.



Best wishes

Mauri

_________________
Dr. Mauri Ahlberg FLS
Professor of Biology and Sustainability Education
University of Helsinki, FINLAND