The intersection of visual communication and education is key in the development of engaging curriculum content. Technology-based teaching tools are most effective when they are well designed, well written and presented in an engaging manner. The use of state-of-the art technology tools can enhance existing curriculum and facilitate additional inquiry-based connections for teachers and students. The development of online curriculum content is a focus of Michigan Sea Grant's education team.

Role of Technology: The digital world has has provided wonderful and exciting opportunities for communications and education. Many aspects of visual communication are imbedded in a variety of software applications that are used by many people, from administrators and professors to editors and designers. 

The expanding power to develop and distribute information has created new challenges.  Finding useful information and that is vetted by experts (e.g., meets industry standards and or is peer-reviewed) has made search engines, electronic libraries, online journals and other sources for information increasingly important. As a result, providing guidance to educators and students about methods of finding good content online is critical.

Many organizations recognize the importance and increasing need for science literacy at all levels of formal education and throughout our lives. Providing educators and citizens with the knowledge and skills necessary to help ensure the sustainable use and conservation of natural resources.

Experiential learning is a very effective component of environmental education and is often the catalyst for developing lifelong stewardship ethics. Experential or inquiry-based learning is facilitated by activities that focus on connecting with the environment. Activities that are web-based may provide multi-media opportunities for students (connecting to real-time data about surface water temperatures).

Web Site Development: An overview of key aspects about site design, including content organization and usability.
Web Quest Page: Preserving Biodiversity of Great Lakes Fishes, NTeQ project.