Bringing Forest Floor and Humus Forms Classification to Life Using Multimedia and Mobile-Based Learning.

Given the crucial role of soil in global environmental change, it is essential that post-secondary institutions provide students with a strong foundation in soil science concepts, including soil classification. Forest floor and humus forms classification has received little attention, yet in relation to climate change this topic is becoming more important. Comprised of leaves, branches, bark, and stems in various stages of decomposition, the forest floor is a distinct feature in a forest ecosystem. Based on the extent and mechanisms of organic matter decomposition and accumulation, humus forms are classified in Canada as mor, moder, and mull. By studying humus forms in relation to site characteristics and vegetation, one may obtain valuable information on ecosystem functioning. Currently, there is a clear information gap from the educational perspective when it comes to forest floor description and classification of humus forms, which is exacerbated by the decreasing number of experts with this skill. Web-based learning is creating new opportunities to reframe the existing information on humus form classification making it more engaging, easy to access, and user-friendly. The objective of this study is to develop and combine a web-based educational tool, focused on  classification of humus forms and a mobile, game-based quest. The educational tool will provide access to streaming videos, maps, text, photos, graphs and web links. The mobile, game-based quest is hosted on the Questogo smartphone app (© 14 Oranges).  The tool and quest are being developed by a team of scientists, students, videography and digital media experts, and software developers. Both the tool and the quest will be implemented in the Introduction to Soil Science and Forest Ecology courses at The University of British Columbia, Vancouver and the Soil Science course at Simon Fraser University, Burnaby in the 2014/15 academic year.