78-8 Discovering Caves On Your Own: Utilizing Learning Modules Systems as a Tool to Increase Access to Educational Resources and Knowledge of Caves and Karst

Session: New Frontiers in Cave and Karst Science

Presenting Author:

Authors:

Abstract:

In the United States, 40% of groundwater used for drinking comes from karst aquifers. However, the word “karst”--which refers to the landscapes that develop on soluble rock such as limestone or gypsum, and include caves, sinkholes, and sinking streams–is not commonly used or well understood in most of the United States. Access to cave and karst science and information outside of academia is reduced by paywalls, jargon, and the need for background content knowledge. People living on karst are faced with complex issues such as sinkhole formation, aquifer depletion and contamination that can be mitigated by knowledge and changes in land use. 

One of the major tenets of the National Cave and Karst Research Institute (NCKRI) is public education. NCKRI has produced a new tool to help increase available educational resources by creating two learning modules: 1. Volcanic Caves and 2. Intro to Solution Caves. These modules require minimal previous knowledge, introduce and define all new jargon, and are peer reviewed to ensure accuracy. The learning modules include summaries, videos, interactive visual aids and intermittent assessments to provide  a variety of learning needs. Each learning module has clear learning objectives and is designed to provide a foundational understanding that further lessons can build upon. 

The advantage of online learning module systems (LMS), such as Articulate, is the material can easily be chunked into “bite sized” informational pieces. The user can also go at their own pace while meeting their learning needs whether it's a quick review or utilizing additional recommended resources for a more indepth lesson. These learning modules can be utilized by professionals that work with caves to provide foundational knowledge, teachers who want to provide their students interactive geoscience lessons, or even cave enthusiasts who want to learn more. At the end of each learning module an assessment is given so users can identify misconceptions and gauge their understanding. These modules are part of a pilot program to facilitate feedback and assess user needs with the purpose of developing comprehensive and accessible karst education and training resources.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-10299

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