Making the Most of Online Collaboration

Abstract

In her Perspective (“Technology and informal education: What is taught, what is learned,” 2 January, p. [69][1]), P. M. Greenfield emphasizes that scientific thinking should go beyond mere visual literacy to include “reflection, analysis, critical thinking, mindfulness, and imagination.” Informal learning on the Internet can encompass facets other than visual media. As avid readers and writers of science at the online international undergraduate The Journal of Young Investigators (JYI) ([ 1 ][2]), we believe that informal education through Internet-based media promotes active and critical scientific thought. Despite the prevalence of visual media, text remains the primary form of communication and collaboration on the Internet. Online science media such as JYI provide opportunities for students to critically read and write about literature by constructing logical scientific arguments. Practicing scientists often note that 50% of the scientific process involves strong written communication in the form of grant writing and journal articles. Grant proposals in particular require students to communicate their ideas compellingly to generalists and situate the work in a broader context. ![Figure][3] CREDIT: ISTOCK Undergraduate publication experience also introduces students to the world of peer review, a cornerstone of scientific collaboration. They are forced to address criticism of their own research experiments or of their interpretation of the literature. The global reach of the Internet ensures exposure to many schools of thought. JYI itself has students from 60 undergraduate institutions across 14 countries. Such experiences give students an edge as budding scientists by not only developing strong scientific writing and thinking, but also by encouraging the habit of staying abreast of the latest advances in science outside of the student's area of specialization. Students gain a broad understanding of science's relationship to society, so that they may advocate on science's behalf. In this way, informal online collaboration involving writing stimulates critical discussion of scientific issues and allows students to actively shape their own education. 1. [↵][4] The Journal of Young Investigators ([www.jyi.org][5]). 2. Science has provided editorial support to JYI. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.1167190 [2]: #ref-1 [3]: pending:yes [4]: #xref-ref-1-1 View reference 1 in text [5]: http://www.jyi.org