Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2012MD270B

An Innovative Learning Tool in Communicating Flood Risk Management

Institute: Maryland
Year Established: 2011 Start Date: 2012-01-12 End Date: 2013-08-31
Total Federal Funds: $23,631 Total Non-Federal Funds: $49,635

Principal Investigators: Bahram Momen

Project Summary: The aim is to test the effectiveness of a method using realistic interactive visualization and collaborative learning in communicating stakeholders’ scientific literacy in flood risk and risk-reduction options; and if it initiates action toward reducing that risk. Stakeholders are individuals in the Mid-Atlantic region affected by flooding. Collaborative learning uses learner-centered problem-solving teams with a facilitator to guide discussions. Combining this method with the use of a computer-assisted decision support system (DSS) adds visual scenarios illustrating science-based potential outcomes. We will design a DSS that uses realistic interactive visualization. Realistic visualization represents scientific information using virtual reality. Interactive visualization is an instructional method that involves direct participation by learners in modeling. To date, a DSS that uses realistic interactive visualization in combination with collaborative learning as a teaching tool in risk management has not been experimentally tested on a regional-scale. We plan to do this. The requested funding will provide supplemental support to a project that has been partially funded by IWR/NIWR.