Media for Informal Learning in Museums (MILIM)
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Background
Museums as informal learning contexts
In modern knowledge societies the acquisition of knowledge is not limited to formal educational institutions such as schools or universities. Since the seventies, in the latest, museums are conceptualised as places for learning and play an increasingly important role as out-of-school environments for life-long learning. Recent discussions underline the role of museums especially for the provision of knowledge about actual concepts, findings and methods of modern natural sciences and the humanities (
PUSH: Public Understanding of Science and Humanities; PUR: Public Understanding of Research). In addition, empirical studies undertaken e.g. at the Smithsonian Institution show that visitors also conceive museums as learning environments as they seek not only object and social experiences but also cognitive experiences.
Museums and new media
In executing their educational function museums use a number of different media for interpretation in exhibitions, ranging from classical text panels via dioramas to interactive, "hands-on" exhibits. Following technological change the so-called "new media" have also entered museum exhibitions. With their innovative potential these new technologies can contribute to the further development of interpretation practice in museums while at the same time bringing new challenges with them. We aimed at exploring and better understanding these opportunities and challenges, as so far, research into the educational potential of new technologies in terms of knowledge acquisition, the development of interests and the formation of opinions has been scarce.
Learning in museums with new media
This project dealt with the possibilities of exhibition design and information provision that deliberately support learning processes and knowledge acquisition in exhibitions, with a specific focus on new technologies that provide a range of innovative opportunities to support learning. The results of the project contribute to a better understanding of learning processes in informal contexts and allow for the formulation of guidelines how to evaluate, develop and optimise exhibitions and media for learning. Thus, the project was characterised by a close link between research and practice.
