Jupyter Book as an open online teaching environment in the geosciences: lessons learned from Geo-SfM and Geo-UAV

Abstract

Together with our students, we co-created two open-access geoscientific course modules using the Jupyter Book environment. We also assessed the Jupyter Book environment, integrated with GitHub to facilitate versioning, for its suitability for co-creation and open learning. The modules implemented an online collection of videos, animations, code snippets, slides, and interactive material to complement the main text in a diverse open learning environment that is free and open to all. The modules' main topics included the geoscientific acquisition of unoccupied aerial vehicle (UAV) data and subsequent digital outcrop model processing through structure from motion (SfM) but also touched upon scientific problem solving and documentation. The two modules were iteratively revised over a 4-year period, steered through student contributions and pedagogic feedback. Student collaboration and co-creation fostered an interest in revising and updating the educational materials, with the important note that students were given ample introductions to the tools and time. We evaluated the framework and modules through in-class feedback, and students and external users were invited to participate in an online questionnaire (Table S1). Responses revealed the educational usefulness of the Jupyter Book-GitHub framework and that students valued the modules' accessibility; inclusivity; co-creation capabilities; interactivity; and blended use of text, multimedia, and animations. In summary, we succeeded in providing lasting, up-to-date and open course materials to a campus with a small department that does not have significant experience nor capacity in developing and maintaining open educational resources. Herein multi-disciplinary collaboration and student co-creation were key.