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Science Communication: Communicating Trustworthy Information in the Digital World

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Science Communication: Communicating Trustworthy Information in the Digital World

Instructors: Jason H. Pridmore

3,937 already enrolled

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8 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

61 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

6 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

8 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

61 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

6 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Learn about the best practices for effective science communication
Understand how different stakeholders (policymakers, scientists, journalists) approach science communication
Learn about the advantages and drawbacks of communicating science in digital media and their implications for public trust.
Develop hands-on skills using tools and resources to evaluate information in digital media.

Skills you'll gain

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Assessments

4 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 8 modules in this course

In a world of information overload, how does one find reliable information? Science is supposed to be the answer to our society's complicated challenges. However, as the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted, not understanding what is fake news, misinformation or what is fact may lead to widespread public mistrust, or turn science into fuel for conspiracy theories or propaganda. Scientific findings are prone to change, making it difficult to effectively communicate them to the public. This fosters broad public skepticism towards major institutions, from the government to media to science. So, how can we communicate science effectively? And how can we rebuild trust in science? As a result, it is critical that we reconsider our science communication practices to recover public trust.

This course offers a current overview of science communication. We cover a wide range of topics like fake news, mis- or disinformation, but also how to combat these practices. We explore how major stakeholders (scientists, policymakers, science communicators and citizens) can work together to improve science communication. And we tackle how people and organizations can earn and maintain public trust via effective science communication. We recommend this course to scientists, journalists, policymakers or any learners interested in science communication. More information can be found at www.trescaproject.eu (This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement No 872855.)

Module details

Welcome to the course! In this module, you will learn about the importance and relevance of effective science communication in the digital world. We will outline various topics and important concepts that will be discussed in the next modules.

What's included

1 video

In this module, you will explore the effects of digital media on science communication and the implications on social trust.

What's included

4 videos1 assignment

In the age of misinformation and fake news, there seems to be a public outcry for ‘trust in science’. This module shows you how social scientists produce knowledge and what challenges they face in communicating science.

What's included

3 videos1 assignment

In this module, you will learn how journalists combat threats like fake news or misinformation. We also discuss how they ensure and navigate responsible and reliable reporting in today’s world.

What's included

4 videos1 discussion prompt

Policymakers make decisions in light of competing opinions on scientiﬁc issues. But what should they do to maintain public trust? In this module, you will explore evidence-based policymaking and the crucial role of science communication in the process.

What's included

4 videos1 reading1 assignment

Digital media go hand in hand with misinformation. Why is that? In this module, you will learn how digital media facilitate the spread of (mis)information but also provide the tools to combat it.

What's included

4 videos1 reading1 assignment

As a science communicator, you need to take in mind your audiences’ needs and characteristics to effectively get your messages across. This module will help you understand how people interpret scientific knowledge. Additionally, we look at strategies to engage citizens with science communication.

What's included

4 videos1 reading1 discussion prompt

You are getting to the end of the course. Let’s reflect on your learnings in the previous modules and identify best scientific communication practices we discussed.

What's included

1 video1 discussion prompt

Instructors

Instructor ratings

(24 ratings)

Jason H. Pridmore

Erasmus University Rotterdam

2 Courses26,075 learners

Marina Tulin

Erasmus University Rotterdam

1 Course3,937 learners

Offered by

Erasmus University Rotterdam

Learner reviews

5 stars
63.93%
4 stars
29.50%
3 stars
4.91%
2 stars
1.63%
1 star
0%

Showing 3 of 61

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2024

Great course important to every communicator and scientist

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2024

In my view, this is very good course for anyone who wants to learn communicating science to the citizens. This course will serve you as a launching pad in the field of science communication.

Reviewed on Apr 9, 2025

Didn't know what to expect, but this was a really well organized and super informative course! Communicates a lot in a short amount of time (given the amount of info).

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