John H. Falk|Carol A. Scott|Lynn D. Dierking|Léonie J. Rennie|Mika Cohen Jones
Interactives and Visitor Learning
Institute for Learning Innovation|Australian Museum|Institute for Learning Innovation|Curtin University|Institute for Learning Innovation|Boston University
abstract interactivescomputers multimedia components physical manipulatives including wholebody tabletop activities simulationsoccur types museums considerable interest nature learning happens visitors use interactives museum professionals enlisted constructivist theory support notion interactive elements invaluable components exhibition experience effective learning tools enable active visitor engagement interactives also seen vital sustaining institutional image expanding institutional popularity despite increasing use interactives exhibitions substantial investments made design maintenance paucity research whether constructivist assumptions supported little work exploring visitors perceptions specific types interactives role interactivity visitor experience generally museum staff thus limited ability make informed decisions level type interactivity might enhance exhibition experiences paper describes collaborative effort 2001 researchers powerhouse museum phm sydney institute learning innovation institute annapolis maryland curtin university technology curtin scitech discovery centre scitech perth western australia study investigated two aspects interactivity 1 visitor perceptions interactivity two different contexts museum science center 2 types short longterm learning resulted use interactives two institutions