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1325 publications found

Dec 09, 2005 Book Review
Learning in a museum. Building knowledge as a social activity.

by Paola Rodari

While the model for transmitting scientific information ­ a model that attributes the effects of a message on the public to the intent of the communicator mediated by text ­ is increasingly becoming an exclusive tool for communication novices, other alternative models are emerging and ­ most importantly ­ field research is being tested and examined.

Volume 4 • Issue 03 • 2005

Sep 21, 2005 Article
The rotten, the disembowelled woman, the skinned man. Body images from Eighteenth century Florentine wax modelling

by Francesco Paolo de Ceglia

Florence's La Specola Museum stirs up strong emotions. Among its collections, the valuable anatomical wax models created between the end of 17th and the beginning of 18th century stand out owing to their marvellous and provocative nature. The aim of this essay is to analyse the communication models epitomised by some of these works by means of historical semiotics, to nourish the widespread, but often underestimated assumption that science and the means used to spread it have always been influenced by intellectual suppositions and constantly interact with contemporary culture.

Volume 4 • Issue 03 • 2005

Sep 21, 2005 Commentary
Communication for development. An Indian experience

by Subbiah Arunachalam

"Knowledge and information are essential for people to respond successfully to the opportunities and challenges of social, economic and technological changes (...). But to be useful, knowledge and information must be effectively communicated to people", says the Food and Agricultural Organization. India is home to a number of ICT-enabled development initiatives, and we will look at one of them to learn how an effective communication strategy is used.

Volume 4 • Issue 03 • 2005

Sep 21, 2005 Commentary
Knowledge sharing for sustainable development through biodiversity conservation in the Mesoamerican region

by Topiltzin Contreras-MacBeath

As recognized by United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, the human community has reached a point in which it is faced with an array of choices that will determine the quality of our lives and the state of the global environment for present and future generations. One possibility is that at long last we will pave a path toward environmental stewardship and sustainable development. But it is also quite possible that we will travel a less enlightened course, running down the earth's natural capital and severely limiting the choices our descendants will face.

Volume 4 • Issue 03 • 2005

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