The Development of an Interactive Exhibit as Information Education and Communication Material on Cave and Karst Resources

Authors

  • Cherry Ann Quinones

Keywords:

Information, Education, Communication Material, Caves,Karst, Interactive Exhibit, Conservation Initiative

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Caves and karst are extremely fragile environments. However, threats to these resources are very high given that no existing specific policy directed towards the protection of karst resources is in place. Local conservation initiative through the strengthening of awareness on the importance of cave and karst resources is seen as an important strategy in safeguarding these highly fragile but essential resources. Hence, an Interactive Exhibit as an IEC material to increase awareness on cave and karst resources targeting young learners was developed and validated.

METHODS

Employing Research and Development design specifically single-experimental case method, 120 respondents were chosen in pilot testing the developed material. Focus Group Discussion, personal correspondence, and interviews with cave and karst experts, as well as secondary data analysis, were conducted for the development of the IEC material. Validation of the IEC material was made by a group of cave experts, environmentalists, and teachers using the adapted validation tool while the pre/post-tests were validated by the DENR. The tests were given to the respondents before and after exposure to exhibit to measure the effectiveness of the developed material.

RESULTS

To be able to create an Interactive Exhibit IEC Material, creative brief was created. This servesas a framework and an essential step in the production of an effective IEC Material with seven (7) identified elements which include the rationale, target audience, communication objectives, key components of the IEC material, obstacles, key messages and advice, and tone and creative considerations. The result of the expert validation revealed that the content of the IEC material was very highly appropriate and highly adequate, and its usability was very high. Learners exposed to the fun and interactive learning experience in the Cave andKarstInteractive Exhibit showed significant improvement in their awareness of cave and karst resources, an initial step towards karst conservation.

DISCUSSIONS

The use of the IEC material, when prepared properly following the standards, can be an effective means of increasing the level of awareness of the target audience. If the production is focused only on printed materials, it can only reach a limited number of individuals. Hence, it is important to select a combination of these materials (e.g. video, printed materials) to suit different people's level of awareness with varying comprehension level.

Published

2019-01-18