Program

The course is composed by three integrated modules: two long distance modules and the final workshop.

Long distance learning (module 1 – 2)

These modules will include interactive virtual classes and tutoring delivered through the use of the online platform designed to support the implementation of an innovative interactive learning approach.
The online platform (Canvas LMS) will also serve as a virtual space for students from different backgrounds and institutions to interact between each other through the MARINE_ECOMED forum in order to share experiences and discuss on the course aspects and topics.

Long Distance Learning 1 (Module 1)

Dates: from 27 April to 17 May 2020

It will be based on Open Education Resources (OERs) made available by the project partners from the 3 academic institutions and shared through the project web platform.

In particular this module will focus on: the terrestrial-marine continuum; the planning process (key steps: visioning, problem scoping, analysis, elaboration of planning measures and implementation program); monitoring and planning implementation evaluation;

To capitalize the knowledge acquired from this module each student will be asked to undertake an individual problem-based exercise on the subject of Innovative strategies for sustainable coastal-marine planning and management. Classes, interactive tutoring and examination will be delivered through the project web platform.

Long Distance Learning 2 (Module 2)

Dates: from 18 May to 5 June 2020

It will be based on Open Education Resources (OERs) made available by the project partners from the 3 non-academic institutions and shared through the project web platform.

In particular this module will focus on: survey strategies to support monitoring and planning implementation evaluation; stakeholder engagement strategies; communication and public awareness strategies;

To capitalize the knowledge acquired from this module ach student will be asked to undertake an individual problem-based exercise on the subject of Engagement and communication strategies for sustainable coastal-marine planning and management. Classes, interactive tutoring and examination will be delivered through the project web platform.

Workshop (module 3)

2nd edition to be held in Thessaloniki (Greece) at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki from 8 to 19 June 2020

During the workshop students with different backgrounds from the different partner universities will work in groups on a real case study on the local marine and coastal area of the workshop site.

This will be the opportunity for participants to apply the knowledge acquired during the two previous modules and to beneficiate from frontal classes taught by the experts involved in the program, who will share their professional experience in planning and management of marine and coastal areas and provide support to students in the development of their work.

The aim of the workshop is to provide participants with a clear understanding of planning and management strategies, available communication strategies and related challenges, enhancing them to work on existing issues on a real case, with real data, in a real political and administrative context, with real stakeholders and workers.

Team work: during the workshop participants will work in groups. Each group will be composed by participants of different nationalities, background (planning and oceanography), skills (e.g. GIS, graphic tools) in order to simulate real-life multidisciplinary team work.

Contents: During the workshop, research and campaign experiences selected by the partnership members, will be presented to students by the experts involved in the mobility program.

The case studies selected will be located on the coastal-marine geographical context of the hosting university. Students will be provided with data and information on the case study to support the development of their work. A field trip will be organized on the coastal area adopted as case study to foster understanding on main specificities and challenges to the planning and management of the case study local context.

The workshop will be also an occasion to foster students understanding of ecosystem services by involving them in a role-playing simulation, the Marine ecosystem services game.

Work presentation: in order to allow students to get a better understanding of real dynamics in planning and management their work will be presented at a public event organized within the project framework where local experts and stakeholders will be invited to give a very important feedback to workshop results.

Evaluation: Examination for this module will be based on active participation to the workshop (30%), problem-based activities consisting in the oral presentation of a potential strategy developed for the “marine planning, management and communication” of a real case study (30%), writing of a report on a potential strategy developed for the “marine planning, management and communication” of a real case study (40%).

At the end of the workshop a joint certificate will be issued to participants by the three universities involved.