In this article, Christine L. Brandenburg, of Rice University's Center for Technology in Teaching and Learning, discusses her research of the use of computer technology in children's museums. Bradenburg focuses on the research methods used to address how and why visitors use computer technology in children's museums. The first section of the article presents the research methods, placing them in the context of the naturalistic inquiry design of the research. The second section discusses the research methods with respect to visitor studies and to studies of computer technology in museums.
This paper discusses findings from a study that examined an interactive microcomputer exhibit at the Texas Memorial Museum. The study aimed to answer the following two questions: (1) Can the microcomputer be used effectively in a museum setting to teach first, second, and third graders about endangered species in Texas? and (2) Can the microcomputer be used effectively in a museum setting to create or enhance positive beliefs about endangered species in Texas?
In this paper, the Franklin Institute's Ann Mintz discusses the managerial challenges associated with evaluation projects. Mintz explains how evaluators teeter on a continuum serving as both as artists and educators throughout the evaluation process. She cites evidence from an ongoing project at the Franklin Institute called the The Franklin Institute Computer Network that serves seven categories of museum visitors.