Creating Learning Experiences through Interactive Devices

Abstract

In this small-scale study, the use of a simple interactive device was designed and studied ethnographically to discover how groups visiting a museum as part of a guided tour interacted with the device as viewed from the perspective of the group tour guides. As the emphasis placed on utilizing interactive devices in museums is increasing, one can become focused on the technology and not on potential visitor learning experiences. The types of positive and productive learning that can occur while using an interactive device as a tool for stimulating conversations that demonstrate learning will be explored.