Museums and Interactive Virtual Learning

Museums and Interactive Virtual Learning provides informal educators with practical resources that will help them to build dynamic digital engagement experiences within their own cultural organizations.

Presenting vignettes from experienced museum educators and end users, as well as scientific data and practical resources, the book highlights the mutual benefits that Interactive Virtual Learning (IVL) programs offer to the museum and those visiting from a distance. Chapters mirror the step-by-step process of developing reputable IVL programs and emphasize how important it is for cultural organizations to encourage cross-departmental collaboration, if they wish to ensure that their programs align with the overall goals of the organization. Providing a thorough overview of the technologies, budget, marketing and staff requirements, the authors offer a realistic depiction of the work involved in building content for digital engagement. Emphasizing the importance of assessing existing programming, the book shows how institutions can adapt content to fit a virtual format and create inclusive digital engagement opportunities that reach local, national, and international audiences.

Museums and Interactive Virtual Learning is an essential guide for professionals who are tasked with interpreting the content of a cultural organization and building lasting digital engagement opportunities. It will be particularly useful to those looking to reach diverse audiences.

Allyson Mitchell is Assistant Director of Virtual Programs at University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology. Throughout her professional career, she has focused on how technology acts as a bridge to connect formal and informal educational spaces. Prior to joining the Penn Museum, Mitchell held several positions within museums where she designed new IVL broadcast environments and supporting programs.

Tami Moehring currently works at the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC) where she provides support, training, and mentoring to content providers. Before CILC, Tami worked in Museum Education including the creative team that launched the Minnesota Historical Society’s award winning Interactive Virtual Learning (IVL) program. Tami has presented at various conferences about the benefits of IVL.

Janet Zanetis is an educator and university administrator. She spent twenty years in K-12 and higher education. Then she worked ten years in the corporate sector. In 2015 she began her current role at the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration. Janet’s expertise is the application of video technologies. She has written for education journals and has co-authored three books.