Plant Identification in the 21st Century—What Possibilities Do Modern Identification Keys Offer for Biology Lessons

Bibliographic Data

ID22045624
AuthorsAlexander Finger (0000-0001-9224-2901, Leipzig University, corresponding author), Jorge Groß (0000-0002-3525-9448, Philipps University of Marburg), Jörg Zabel (0000-0002-3205-2206, Leipzig University)
Year2022
Volume12
Issue12
Pages849
Publication date2022-11-23
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueEducation Sciences (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2227-7102 • E-ISSN: 2227-7102
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/educsci12120849
OpenAlexW4309729034
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited31

The loss of biodiversity and the accompanying “plant blindness” are major problems for mankind. Biology classes in Germany deal with this topic with the aim of enabling students to identify plants in their surroundings. Here, the process of plant identification plays a key role. To render the process of plant identification, more student-oriented, new digital approaches are being developed. Thus, teachers are now being confronted with digital tools for plant identification without having exact knowledge of their added value. This intervention study was therefore conducted in order to determine the effects on learning by means of a paper-based dichotomous identification key (Eikes Baumschule) and a digital identification app (ID-Logics). The results show that both tools have individual media-related differences that should be considered when designing learning strategies: With the previously reduced, paper-based tool, students can identify plants more quickly and often more correctly. However, the digital app has advantages in terms of enjoyment and learning about individual characteristics of plants. The study shows the challenges and opportunities associated with the (digital) medium. Furthermore, it sheds light on the process of species determination and reveals further fields of research in science education

Biology · Data science · Machine learning · Plant identification · Plant species · Animal and Plant Science Education · Computer Science · Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior · Species Distribution and Climate Change · Artificial Intelligence · Ecology

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