Are online courses a viable learning alternative for typically outdoor subjects? Evidence from bird recognition courses

Abstract During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, online education gained prominence in environmental sciences, particularly for traditionally outdoor-focused subjects, highlighting the need for further research to enhance its effectiveness and integration as a valuable educational tool beyond crisis periods. This study assesses the effectiveness of online bird recognition courses conducted from November 2020 to May 2021. Initially designed for 60–70 participants, the courses were repeated and engaged over 300 adult learners. By analyzing demographic data, self-assessed bird identification skills, and pre- and post-lesson test scores, and implementing a linear mixed model, our research evaluated student progress throughout the courses and the variation in learning across major bird groups. Results indicate that online courses significantly improve bird identification skills, though the extent of improvement varies by bird topic and participant engagement levels. Topics such as bird migration and synanthropic birds showed the highest improvement, while others, such as diurnal raptors and seabirds, proved more challenging. This study underscores the potential for online courses to supplement traditional field-based learning, providing accessibility to a broader and more diverse audience while effectively bridging knowledge gaps. Our findings highlight the feasibility of integrating online education into natural science curricula. Graphical abstract