T6.4 Remote Access, E-learning and Ocean Literacy

Lead: MI and OGS

This will promote innovative methods of engagement across society by piloting state of the art communication tools and digital technology to enhance understanding of ocean science research and create a more ‘Ocean Literate’ public. It will seek to engage, educate, inform and inspire a range of audiences including primary and secondary school pupils, teachers and educators, third-level students, early stage researchers, professionals and the public at large.

6.4.1 Eurofleets+ Ship to Shore Expedition [M36]

Eurofleets+ will pilot the first European ‘Ship to Shore’ ocean literacy expedition using advanced VSAT telepresence communications technology to enable live, two-way broadcasting from TA surveys. This innovative technology will stream footage in real-time live from the vessel and the seabed that will enable audiences globally to remotely access and engage with deep-sea ocean exploration. This will specifically engage existing networks of primary and secondary school pupils (e.g. Green and Blue Schools initiatives) with live, interactive ‘Ask a Scientist’ sessions and supporting resources. Ship to Shore broadcasts will also aim to promote marine science careers as an option for young people, particularly girls, through positive female scientist role models.

6.4.2 Eurofleets+ Ocean Classroom Portal

A variety of innovative, multimedia, online digital resources will be produced from training activities which will be collated on the Eurofleets+ Ocean Classroom Portal. The Ocean Classroom repository will include:

A suite of Ocean Literacy resources to support educators in the concept of investigating the ocean from research vessels and ROVs and bringing live and recorded Ship to Shore Expeditions to their classrooms, aimed at primary and secondary school pupils.
Online e-learning digital resources, tools and webinars developed to support Floating Universities, Labs and Workshops for online access by early-stage researchers and professionals.
An Alumni Forum, will allow Eurofleets+ training participants to engage, network and collaborate online. This forum will also be used to measure the effectiveness, impact and benefits of Eurofleets+ training by tracking participants and assessing the skills and career progression of alumni though follow-on questionnaires and feedback.