Global seminar on science communication

2005 Impact statement

abstract

This project delivered a course on science, environmental, and health communication distance learning to developing countries.

submitted by

issue being addressed

People in developing countries have deep needs for good, science-based information on water quality, health care, food quality, energy production, and other topics. But there is little infrastructure for educating the communicators who can reach populations with this information.

response

Building on workshops and lectures in South Africa, the United States, and Brazil in 2002, 2004, and 2005, we designed and pilot-tested 8 instructional modules for science communicators in developing countries, delivering them via interactive distance-learning technologies.

impact assessment

Project leaders in South Africa, Brazil, and South Korea have implemented changes to their locally-based curriculums, to strengthen the science communication training they provide. The modules delivered by distance learning reached 40 people in South Africa and 20 people in Brazil.

topic description

science, environmental, and health communication

funding source description

Other Federal non-USDA (e.g., NSF, NIH, DOA, DOD)

key personnel

  • Luisa Massarani
  • Marina Joubert
  • Marina Joubert
  • Andrew Pleasant

department, unit, division

mission focus

submitted as part of CALS annual faculty reporting, February 2006