In the context of ocean governance and marine resource management bolstering understanding of ocean science and its possible applications for society at large is the most effective way to trigger concrete actions in favor of a healthier, sustainable ocean. The need for effective ocean science communication is greater than ever, given the present day competition for funding resources and involvement from the general public.

On 8 December 2016 (the day following the CommOCEAN conference), a one-day intensive and hands-on training activity focused on several aspects of Ocean Science Communication was organized within the framework of the Ocean Teacher Global Academy (OTGA) of UNESCO/IOC IODE. This one-day course took place at the InnovOcean site in Ostend, home base of the UNESCO-IOC Project Office for IODE, the Flanders Marine Institute and the European Marine Board.

The hands-on course looked at techniques and technologies, with a specific focus on digital storytelling and the use of social media, which people working in ocean science can use to develop and implement communication and outreach  programs.

By: Lisa Tossey is the social media community manager and editor at Sea Grant Delaware.

The topics covered were:

  • Ocean science communication: introduction, tools and methods
  • Science commmunication and storytelling: techniques, digital tools, sharing information and engaging others through social media platforms, and capturing and sharing digital images and video footage
  • Hands-on session

Learning outcomes:

  • Improved skills in developing narratives for ocean science communication
  • Improved skills in the use of online tools and social networks for science communication 
  • Increased knowledge of digital photography and video techniques

More information: see the flyer of the Ocean Teacher Global Academy Training Course on Ocean Science Communication Tools.

 

Course materials

The syllabus of the training course “Ocean Science Communication Tools” including all course materials and videos are freely available on the OceanTeacher e-Learning Platform (registration needed, free). The videos of the workshop sessions are also available on the OceanTeacher YouTube Channel. The OceanTeacher Global Academy is a project from UNESCO/IOC Project Office for IODE supported by FUST (Government of Flanders, Belgium).