(University of Warwick )
Conservation learning practice needs to be more evidence-based. The question is, "how?" This presentation begins by highlighting typical limitations in the way conservation learning is evaluated. Impact evaluation is rare in this domain, and methodological weaknesses are commonplace. Conservation learning organizations can raise their game by using automation to enhance efficiency and quality in conducting audience evaluation. More extensive and timely results through automation can bring audience research and conservation-learning practices closer. The presentation draws upon insights from the UK-based research projects Qualia (qualia.org.uk) and SMILE (Using Social Media to Identify and Leverage Engagement). Different automated options for evaluation will be discussed, including web-based systems, integration with visitor smartphone apps, and sentiment analysis of social media. describe the benefits of participatory evaluation approaches.
Dr. Jensen is Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Warwick (UK), where he teaches social research methods and science communication. Dr. Jensen has conducted numerous quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods impact evaluation studies commissioned by institutions that include the Natural History Museum, London Zoo, World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, University of Cambridge Museums, Cheltenham Science Festival, and National Gallery. His research is published in dozens of books and peer-reviewed journals, including Nature, Public Understanding of Science, and Conservation Biology. Dr. Jensen's recent projects have investigated using digital technology to automate evaluation in informal-learning settings. His forthcoming book with Cambridge University Press is entitled Making the Most of Conservation Education. His Ph.D. is from the University of Cambridge.