This document outlines three technology-based programs that can enhance museums: webinars presented by Chris Lawrence, multipoint video conferences developed by Jason Allen, and a community bulletin board coordinated by Sally Otis. Additional resources are available at the listed Yahoo group. The objective of Otis' program is to connect teachers around the world to each other and to resources from the Smithsonian American Art Museum using Blackboard.com.
1. TECHNOLOGY BASED PROGRAMS TO
ENHANCE YOUR MUSEUM
C H R I S L A W R E N C E : W e b i n a r s
J A S O N A L L E N : M u l t i p o i n t C o n f e r e n c e s
S A L L Y O T I S : C o m m u n i t y B u l l e t i n B o a r d s
H a n d o u t s A v a i l a b l e a t :
h t t p : / / g r o u p s . y a h o o . c o m / g r o u p / M u s e u m V i d e o c o n f e r e n c i n g /
Revolutionizing Museums
MAAM Annual Meeting 2010
21. O b j e c t i v e :
C o n n e c t a c o m m u n i t y o f t e a c h e r s f r o m a r o u n d
t h e w o r l d t o e a c h o t h e r a n d t o r e s o u r c e s f r o m
t h e S m i t h s o n i a n A m e r i c a n A r t M u s e u m .
Blackboard.com
Notes de l'éditeur
Description:
The k20 initiative connects over 50,000 schools, libraries, museums, zoos, aquariums, and other cultural organizations across the US and thousands of institutions around the world via Internet2.
Challenges:
Connectivity (on-site & far-site)
Cost of connectivity (can be negotiated by the non-profit)
Limited number of far-sites (nationally & internationally)
Ancillary website may be necessary
Benefits:
Broadcast quality
Allows for real-time interactive dialogue
Description:
Polycom and Tandberg video conferencing systems allow groups to meet naturally over distance, enabling more productive meetings and real-time dialogue. Polycom or Tandberg video conferencing systems are necessary to participate in an I2 video conference. Polycom offers a grant assistance program to help defray the cost of their systems.
Challenges:
Cost for your institution and the far-sites.
Limited number of far-sites (more so if using I2 than commodity internet).
Benefits:
Can be set up in any classroom or conference room
Can be purchased with money from grants.
Description:
MAGPI and other regional high-speed networks and aggregation points provide access to Internet2 in a cost-effective manner and promote applications for their region's research and education communities.
Challenges:
Engagement of your regional high-speed network and aggregation point in education outside of their institution.
Mandatory I2 testing (scheduling)
Technical requirements.
In order to broadcast your video conference via commodity internet you will need technical assistance.
Benefits:
Recruitment
Technical services and assistance
Description:
Adobe Connect’s video conferencing software also allow groups to meet over distance, enabling more productive meetings and real-time dialogue. Far-sites do not need Adobe Connect software to participate.
Challenges:
Quality of the video feed from far-sites (packet loss).
Benefits:
Easy to use and operate
All schools or organizations need is an internet connection.
Can be used for other purposes that require video conferencing.
Description:
iLinc’s video conferencing software also allow groups to meet over distance, enabling more productive meetings and real-time dialogue. Far-sites do not need iLinc software to participate.
Challenges:
Quality of the video feed from far-sites (packet loss).
Benefits:
Easy to use and operate
All schools or organizations need is an internet connection.
Can be used for other purposes that require video conferencing.
Description:
PWP is a film and video production company that I work with to produce, record, broadcast and edit video conferences.
Challenges:
Cost ($5k to $7k)
The production company must understand your technical situation and requirements.
Benefits:
Writing grants
Creating curriculum
No extra staff or funding from your institution may be necessary
Objectives:
Develop a community of educators that are connected to each other and the museum’s resources.
Screen shot in case internet is down or slow.
Log In site, keeps their information and any student information secure – not open to the public.
Announcements page:
Post monthly announcements which also e-mails all users. Keeps the site vital and reminds teachers that we’re here. Also an outlet for any new resources, connects teachers to our exhibits.
Discussion Board:
Divided into three sections. Teachers can see each other’s feedback, respond to each other. At least one staff person from the museum is dedicated to responding to ALL posts within 24 hours. Create resources, direct them to outside resources or resources that have already been created.
Area for teachers to post and share their student’s work in an “online gallery” forum. Safe/secure place, plus give other teachers ideas for projects to do with their students.
DoDEA Documents: an archive of all resources created by museum staff and contributed by teachers
Turn over of staff, still record of what was created – lesson plans, PowerPoints, student work, websites, videos, etc.
Difficulties/Challenges:
Learning Curve (on-site training)
Keeping community engaged (monthly e-mails/on-site training)
Museum Identity: Distinguishing one museum from the whole Smithsonian Institution (i.e. we don’t have Wright bro. plane or Dorothy’s red shoes) It’s Blackboard’s site with our content rather than a museum created web site.
Looking Forward:
Currently also offer videoconferencing to enhance lessons and further integrate staff into class (teacher partner)
Goal is a fully integrated program where they videoconference at the beginning of the lesson (overview), middle of lesson (research), and end of lesson (art critique)
Take it further integrated into the classroom – allow students to post/research projects with our expertise & resources
Practical Applications:
Keep a group connected and to have a documentation of what’s created.
Also applicable with blog sites or class web sites.
Place to capture user generated content alongside “expert” created content.
