The FSU College of Communication and Information, College of Education, and Learning Systems Institute have been awarded a three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education to work with the Tallahassee Museum to design and develop a digital journaling system using online and mobile technologies as an integral part of K12 science education.

The goal of the project is to encourage students to become active participants in the scientific inquiry process by collecting and analyzing data about wildlife and natural habitats before, during, and after visits to the Tallahassee Museum. Prior to a visit, students will research the museum’s wildlife online, collaborating with students from other schools to develop research questions and determine what data they’ll need to answer their questions. At the museum, students will use handheld computers (such as an iPod Touch) to record data about wildlife behaviors in digital journals, sharing their observations with other students online. Back in the classroom, students will return to the website to analyze data and answer their research questions.

We are currently recruiting two students to help us develop these systems. We need students with expertise developing web-based applications using MySQL and PHP (experience with multi-user content management systems such as WordPress, Drupal, or Joomla is especially desirable), as well as students with experience developing iPhone / iPod / iPad applications. This is a 0.50 FTE position with stipend and tuition waiver, renewable for up to three years.

To apply or ask questions, email Dr. Paul Marty at marty@fsu.edu. Please include your resume, a brief description of why you are interested in the project, and links to example projects you have completed. Experienced developers only please!

For more information, please see the project website at http://tracker.ci.fsu.edu/