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University System of Maryland

Strategic Communication for Sustainability Leaders

University System of Maryland and University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science via edX

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Overview

Effective science communicators are in short supply during a time of unprecedented environmental challenges. As policy-makers, businesses, and communities seek solutions, the need for science communication skills will only grow. In this course, you will not only learn how to identify the tools of science communication, but will be able critique, refine, and develop them.

Any leader understands that data is the underpinning of competent decision-making. Complex systems require that data be presented in a clear and accessible format. You will learn to construct easy-to-interpret data visualizations that will enable you to build consensus and facilitate decisions across a broad spectrum of stakeholders.

Data tells us a story. Articulating and messaging this data-driven narrative to communicate the latest research is a key skill for any manager. You will learn to use proven techniques to develop such narratives so that you can effectively communicate complex data-sets to any audience.

Cogent science communication requires the effective integration of a captivating and accessible narrative with appealing multimedia data visualizations. These two new skills are the foundation for telling a larger story. Compelling “stories” are a proven approach to explain complex problems, involve the target audience, and motivate diverse stakeholders to work toward change.

Syllabus

Module 1:

  • Why is science communication important?
  • Iconic science communicators
  • The science behind science communication
  • What makes a good story?
  • Who are you talking to?
  • Narrative structure

Module 2:

  • Data Visualization Part 1
  • Data Visualization Part 2
  • 10 Classic Conceptual Diagrams
  • 10 IAN Conceptual Diagrams
  • 10 Classic maps

Module 3:

  • Storyboarding
  • Active titles
  • Storyboarding Process
  • Project Management
  • Seven Elements of Layout and Design
  • Layout and Design Examples
  • Critique and Review

Module 4:

  • Color Theory
  • Color Theory Basics
  • Color in Science Communication
  • Symbols and Diagrams
  • Symbols
  • Conceptual Diagram Creation
  • Conceptual Diagram Examples

Module 5:

  • Science Writing vs. Science Communication
  • Science Communication Products
  • Photos in Science Communication
  • Videos in Science Communication
  • Assembling a Scientific Presentation
  • Presentation Preparation
  • Delivering a Presentation

Taught by

William “Bill” Dennison and Richard Arnold

Tags

Reviews

4.7 rating, based on 72 Class Central reviews

4.4 rating at edX based on 10 ratings

Start your review of Strategic Communication for Sustainability Leaders

  • Profile image for Rui Viegas
    Rui Viegas
    The content is good and succinct, with good references and resources if you want to dive deeper into a specific subject. Some of the activities and the assessments at the end of each module makes you think about the subject more deeply, and what you…
  • Anonymous
    I learned a lot in this course because it made me think on the way to deliver better material for my intended audience. My favorite modules were one, two and three in which I was introduced to science communication by means of the way our brains work when faced to different science communication products, and how we can use this to create our own material.
    The last module, from my point of view, was repetitive. I would change the format, because it is the same for each module, and the questions are not always challenging.
  • Anonymous
    This was an excellent overview of science communication. I have lots of communication experience in other areas (eduation, high tech) so the science perspective was most helpful. As for the other areas like presentations and videos, for which I have experience in that area, it was nice to get a review and perspective from the instructors.
  • Anonymous
    I understood the different and diverse forms of science communication tools while recognizing the uniform need for clear messaging while integrating visuals and narrative. I learned the value of both science writing and science communication to wider audiences and understand the differences in terms of audience and style.
  • Anonymous
    This was a great refresher course in the "how-to's" of science communication, intertwined with new and interesting ideas that will help in future communications with my non-science-oriented colleagues and stakeholders. I appreciated that the presentation style of the course material keeps it interesting!
  • Anonymous
    I enjoyed this course and instructor was good too. However, there is need for improvement in some course content and related activities. Navigations needs to be improved in some cases and discussion are not very good so i recommend some improvement in discussion forum.
  • Anonymous
    The “Strategic Communication for Sustainability Leaders” is my first course on the Edx platform, it is a very good, efficient, and practical course, which I enjoyed. I am very glad that I attended the course, I learned so many interesting things. Th…
  • Anonymous
    A great online class. Super practical for both students wanna work in academia and industry. The content is very clear and organized. There is no jargons that confuse learners. The activities are super helpful as well as the ungraded keypoints.
  • Anonymous
    I enjoyed this course on science communication with a lot of examples for best practice. The lesson videos are short (rarely longer than 10 min) and on point. Learners are encouraged to engage with different materials and resources.
    However, the discussion activities are not very useful, as there are rarely participants answering to posts by their peers. I think it's a nice idea to exchange thoughts with other participants, but I'm afraid there are just too many taking this course, so it doesn't work out.
  • Anonymous
    I have been in informal science communication for about 20 years and am always looking for resources to enhance my skills. This class was everything I hoped for and has provided me with so many resources to not only assist in the creation of new communication projects, but to evaluate and update current and past presentations and projects to make them better.
    I would recommend this class to any communicator in the science fields, whether a formal or informal educator. If you communicate science in any format, to any age, this class will provide you with resources, ideas, and perspectives that will help to improve your skills and help to better engage your audience.
  • Anonymous
    It is a good course to help develop communication skills in the sustainability sector. The knowledge assessments always provided good feedback to test the knowledge I recently just gained. Overall the course has helped me grow my knowledge and skills in creating visuals, using story telling tools, and skills to effectively communicate science across a broad audience.
  • Anonymous
    This course was a great introduction to science communications The videos were well presented and the content was fairly easy to understand and to incorporate into my line of work. I appreciated all of the quick quizzes to check understanding throughout the course. I also liked all of the additional resources that are provided throughout the program. I would definitelt recommend
  • Anonymous
    The course was good, and gave clear elements and objetives regarding key elements of Science Communication.
  • Anonymous
    Overall, I feel like this was a good course and I enjoyed it. It took a module or two to feel comfortable with the assessments, because the instructions of what to do on what page are quite confusing. Once you get the hang of the structure of each assessment, the directions become less confusing. Overall good content and experience.
  • Anonymous
    Course was interesting and made me think of additional ways to improve my science communication for my job. Some aspects of the course could have been shortened, ex. presentations, as most of the people completing this course have more than likely have quite a lot of experience with this already.
  • Anonymous
    This course was very insightful and provided information on effective ways of communicating science. The way the information was presented was clear and easy to go through. There is use of video presentations, readings and interactive activites. Definitely recommend this course.
  • Anonymous
    This class had a well-rounded view of science communication and really helped give unique ideas to improve your science communication methods. The emphasis on using images, graphics, and creating charts really helped prove why these are the most effective ways to share science information. I enjoyed how the course was laid out, and walked you through the different phases of communication, and how science communication differs from science research and other forms of communication.

    Some sections I think could've been shorter (ie. Color section and presentation section), however the course overall was very useful and good!
  • Anonymous
    I thoroughly enjoyed the course and found it very informative. Information was delivered in bite-sized chunks with immediate reinforcement through quizes and activities. My thanks to the instructor and course designers.
  • Anonymous
    Great course. Learnt a lot though its a bit american centric. pacing is good and delivery is clear and concise. examples used were great and relevant too
  • Anonymous
    Very well developed course , it cover all the principles for science communication , I also found the tools, websites very useful.
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