Can Citizen Science Projects Work in the Classroom?
We added new features to Siftr!
Many of you asked for more powerful data collection capacity. Others needed to move from online to offline mode. Siftr is the best location-based data collection tool for any education. It works for formal and informal citizen science collection.
Here’s what’s new:
1. FORM FIELDS
Photo, category, and caption are not required fields anymore. In the new Siftr, you can choose what fields to include.
The new Form Field tool
There are several types of form fields. Photo, Caption, Category, Small Text Field, Large Text Field, Numberican Slider, Single Choice, and Multiple Choice. Now you can make projects for collecting all kinds of data.
In the past, photo, category, and caption are no longer required fields. In the new Siftr, you can choose what data to collect. All you need is form field and you get to pick it. You have control over what parts of that data display on the map. Siftr Authors have so much more control now.
2. SIFTR WORKS OFFLINE
The new Siftr gives users a seamless experience when offline.
Do you use Siftr in the woods or on a tablet? Siftr moves into offline mode automatically. Siftr authors design for data collection in remote areas and we want Siftr to work where it is being used!
Siftr may still struggle if you have a bad connection. It does better with either a great connection or no connection. If you are dealing with spotty internet turn your device on airplane mode.
In offline mode, the posts store onto the device. They sync when you connect to the internet over cell or wireless. The app shows how many posts are inline to sync so you know what isn’t online yet.
Head to the woods and start posting to any Siftr Project you have opened in your app.
3. HYBRID VIEW
See the map and cards at the same time in the app.
Now you can see the relationship between the map location and the posts. Switch between the card feed, the map, and hybrid view by tapping on the icon in the bottom left.
In Offline Mode a notification appears when posts are waiting to upload. This view is the new Hybrid view described below.
4. CSV DOWNLOAD
Download your data as a CSV file with one click of a button. You no longer need to use the API to access your data.
A lot of researchers and teachers wanted to download their data but weren’t comfortable with the API. We made it easy. If you want to look at your data from a spreadsheet, now all you have to do is click the Download button on the website. Go to your profile then click on My Siftrs.
5. VISUAL UPDATES
Spend less time explaining how to use the app.
We made a lot of changes to the look and feel of the app and website to make it easier to use. Let us know how you feel about the updates!
Help Siftr Grow
Siftr grows when we receive research grants to support it. If you have a research project and you want to use Siftr, make sure to contact us to so you can write us into your grant. We can add features you need for your work and this will also benefit everyone else in the community.
Siftr
