Students develop YouTube site on global warming

MANILA, Philippines - A group of five students of the UP Open University Master of Development Communication program have developed a site in the YouTube Channel called “COOL 101: What you need to know about Global Warming.” According to its youthful creators, COOL 101 “serves as an interactive repository of videos designed to increase people’s awareness of global warming.” It also aims to be a one-stop channel for sharing video clips documenting its viewers’ and subscribers’ personal insights on the issue.

COOL 101 at http://www.youtube.com/user/upoucool101#p/a explains the causes and effects of global warming as well as strategies to deter or counteract it.

Bryan Joseph G. Sabroso, one of the students, said they chose YouTube because of its potential as a tool for social mobilization. YouTube can reach a wider audience at very minimal cost.

Dr. Melinda Bandalaria, the faculty member in charge of DevCom 208 (Social Marketing and Mobilization), said COOL 101 is the group’s term project for the course. The group members are based in different countries, but distance was no obstacle to the students.

Sabroso is working with the UN Regional Commission for Asia-Pacific located in Bangkok. Other members of the group are: Gia Zarina Santos of UNICEF, New York; Del Amor Reyes of Globe Telecoms Philippines; Elisabeth Lara Santos who works with a global IT company in Makati City; and Raphael Lobrin who works for an Internet marketing company based in Iloilo City.   – Luisa A. Gelisan