Course overview
This course will provide students with the essential skills they need to engage and communicate with various audience groups to meet specific objectives related to connecting people and their environments. Through understanding key objectives, target audiences and the resources involved, as well as the pros and cons of different communication channels, students will be able to select appropriate communication techniques, such as guided walks, talks, drama, displays, signs, brochures, social media, and other electronic media. The course focuses on the development of thematic interpretation. Topics covered include: understanding your audience, developing compelling storyline, selecting appropriate techniques to engage an audience, master planning, evaluation and marketing.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply knowledge of the basic process of learning and the factors that impact learning and behaviour change.
- Use interpretive skills to develop and deliver a program that engages a specific audience.
- Create an interpretive product that is likely to engage a specific audience (including international audiences) to meet specific environmental objectives.
- Plan communication and interpretive strategies that address a specific environmental problem or opportunity, and demonstrates understanding of audience, marketing, budget and operational considerations.
- Evaluate interpretive products (talks, tours, signs, exhibits and e-media) and explain the variables that likely contribute to the success or downfall of the product, and recommend strategies for improvement.