Overall, field ecology is often a difficult experience for both the student and the instructor. On the other hand, students are interested in what is happening to the environment. They are concerned about the extinction of species. The redesign of this course follows a completely different approach. Students visit a convenient field site either at their convenience or when some critical event is taking place.
Students generally go to the field themselves.
Technology is used to give access to world-class sites. These are places where there are active research and conservation programs. The goal is to show students that what they are learning applies to urgent problems. Collaborative tools are used in every aspect of the course. Students must learn to work together to solve difficult problems.