Integrating Networking, Artificial Intelligence, and Plant Occurrence Mapping in Botanical Learning: An Evaluation of the Use of iNaturalist in a University Arboretum

This educational initiative is crafted to enhance the learning experience of first-year botany students by integrating the iNaturalist platform into their curriculum. The project involves students generating observations and identifying plant species in the arboretum of the School of Forestry Engineering and Natural Resources (ETSIMFMN) in Madrid, Spain. The effectiveness of the activity was assessed through surveys and the project's progress was monitored on the iNaturalist platform. The activity addressed the challenges of teaching in non-presential environments by providing students with the opportunity to autonomously develop identification skills. The goals of this activity can also be applied to learning activities of other organisms, including fungi, lichens, mosses, or animals. The project also contributed to the adaptation of the teaching and learning process to online environments.