5 March 2009 at 3:45 am On behalf of Amanda Coleman
Learning Oppotunities and Museum Seminar Some time ago, in the deep dark past. I attended a seminar in Melbourne. A fellow college, Gabrielle and myself, were the resipricants of a Bursary funding us to attend the Learning Opportunities and Museum seminar down in Melbourne in September 2008. It was a fantastic opportunity that I am very gratefully for. Thinking back on the seminar I remember many inspiring talks. It is hard to comment on all of them so I will mention a few.
I felt very inspired by many presenters and how they think abstractedly to make museums a appealing, challenging and assessable for all, particularly school learners.
My most lingering thoughts from the seminar (and I have had a bit of time to reflect) were the discussions on how to tackle the vast sea of the World Wide Web, blogs and the internet. How these could be used to enhance the experiences of museum goers. On a personal level I have a great fear of the CYBER world and I am overwhelmed by the enormous possibilities.
Brett McLennan gave an insight into how today we have “Twitchers”. A generation of learners learning in a new way. He talked about how “twitcher” work on many levels at once, with quick responses. In the past we have learned slowly and cumulatively. These two types of learning may be at conflict. Brett mentioned the use of websites to help with continuing learning after the museum experience.
Angelino Russo added that as educator we can be a great help to teacher by using blogs allowing our resources to be accessed before or after the visits to add to the overall experience. Projects like Andy Braid’s from Tasmanian Museum were an inspiring example how blogs are an essential part of his ice.e.mystery program, linking Tasmania to the other side of the world.
Dr Lynda Kelly, from Australian Museum Sydney, spoke passionately about the need for blogs and the internet. She backs this up with survey evidence showing that people who attend museums are also logging on. I personal am trying harder to embrace all the possibilities of these connective mediums.
My only problem now is not the know how, not my fear as I have conquered that (yes I have a face book page!) but my lack of time to explore all the inspiring possibilities. This may explain why it has taken so long to add to a blog! Thanks to the speakers, organisers and to IMAGE for allowing me to attend the seminar.
I am a new educator and have learnt and been inspired. I now am scanning for new seminar possibilities for this year. Amanda
