Informal Science Learning in Online Affinity Spaces

Abstract

Affinity spaces are online forums in which participants share with one another teaching and learning resources on a given topic. The ASTC Community forum and the NSTA Learning Center forum are two spaces where professionals in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning can gather to share information. For those generally interested in science, many other online spaces also exist, such as Reddit’s science subreddit, www.birdforum.org (for birdwatchers), the forums associated with citizen science on http://zooniverse.org, and multiple sites devoted to makers and making.

Keywords:

• Informal Education

Author Contributions

Richard Hudson ([email protected]) was director of science production at Twin Cities Public Television in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Richard Hudson

Richard Hudson ([email protected]) was director of science production at Twin Cities Public Television in St. Paul, Minnesota.