1. Integrate sustainable transportation into the Communication Studies curriculum
2. Apply innovative persuasive approaches to the promotion of ecologically responsible transportation behaviors
3. Improve and test the effectiveness of interventions using student-originated messages, videos, and projects
4. Promote transportation as an integral part of the new URI Sustainability Minor
5. Create and disseminate a model curriculum which integrates sustainability and transportation
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According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), transportation—in particular automobile traffic—is one of the main contributors to greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions. Automobile trips account for 90 percent of total trips in the United States, compared to 50 percent in Western Europe and 15 – 30 percent in the developing world. Automobile travel is increasingly associated with pollution, congestion, urban sprawl, as well as social and economic costs both for drivers and communities. Mitigation of the environmental impact of automobile traffic can be facilitated through a number of technological, economic, and regulatory factors. But in order to achieve widespread adoption of such alternatives, changes in individual knowledge, attitude, and behavior are essential.
The University of Rhode Island is developing numerous interdisciplinary initiatives related to Sustainability and related environmental activities; the current proposal is designed to integrate sustainable transportation into the Communication Studies curriculum, to apply innovative persuasive approaches to the promotion of ecologically responsible transportation behaviors, to promote transportation as an integral part of the new URI Sustainability Minor and to create and disseminate a model curriculum which integrates sustainability and transportation in an interdisciplinary context
Specifically, the proposed work will make transportation and transportation related sustainability issues a central focus of the course COM315, Environmental Dimensions of Communication by (a) developing a 4-week module within the course addressing the relationship between transportation and sustainability, (b) modifying a video project to document sustainable transportation issues and (c) redesigning the final project, into a communication campaign designed to promote alternative transportation options (d) reaching out to returning students through an online version of the course. The results of the project will be disseminated within URI and to other academic institutions.
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12/30/2008
$26,757.57
As in the past, this project will continue to serve as an educational opportunity for a large number of students at varying levels. Dr. Mundorf's students will conduct research, record and edit videos, and conduct focus groups. Teams will produce videos addressing the traffic congestion, and promote transportation alternatives. Once finalized, these videos will be displayed on the campus cable system and via YouTube. Students will develop appreciation of the important role of transportation at all levels of sustainability.
Prior URITC funded research by the P.I. As addressed options for substituting and optimizing physical transport through the use of intelligent road systems as well as virtual alternatives to automobile transport (distance learning; telework).
URI Website, URITC Website, Research Papers submitted (TRB; Communication and Public Health conferences and journals), articles in appropriate journals.
This project has increased the reach and effectiveness of transportation education into one of the most popular college majors. The innovative student-originated approach promises greater effectiveness of environmental interventions among teenagers and young adults.
multimodal, human factors, behavior change, sustainability