This paper explores some of the ways in which the National Museum of Australia is using Web analysis tools to shape its future directions in the delivery of online services. In particular, it explores the potential of quantitative analysis, based on Web server log data, to convert these ephemeral traces of user experience into a strategic…

This paper presents preliminary results from a five year longitudinal study on the efficacy of integrating museum resources into elementary and middle school curricula through educational outreach activities, over the Internet and in the classroom. From 1997 to 2003, museum educators at the University of Illinois' Spurlock Museum have explored how…

Experiencing artworks in the Web aggravates the problem of the absence of any historical, cultural and social context, because the Web is a veritable nowhere. This paper stresses the importance of a social and narrative access to art, and presents an interactive group of virtual characters as an alleviation of this problem. The benefits and…

This paper summarizes a subset of the findings of a study of digital image distribution that focused on the Museum Educational Site Licensing (MESL) project--the first large-scale multi-institutional project to explore digital delivery of art images and accompanying text/metadata from disparate sources. This Mellon Foundation-sponsored study…

Following an introduction by the editors entitled "Interactivity Comes of Age: Museums and World Wide Web at Five," this proceedings contains the following selected papers and case studies: "From the Mountains of the Moon to the Neon Paintbrush" (Peter Walsh); "Visiting a Museum Together: How To Share a Visit to a Virtual…

The time between the publication of the advance sheets on art education for the biennial. survey of 1920-1922 and the present document has seen greatly increased activity in this field of education. More clearly defined aims and objectives have become apparent in the elementary and high schools. Urgent demands for training in taste and the…

This is a story about screen interactivity and its magical early influences. It includes a brief history of the evolution of the computer, with examples from contemporary applications in art and museum education. I believe it is important to know about the early days of drawing on the screen to get a sense of the continuum of ideas that has led us…

The advantages of visiting points of interest close to home or more distant travel to provide stimulating experiences for gifted children are considered. Ideas for making history, literature, nature, science, and the arts interesting are suggested, including materials, books, and music that can be explored in conjunction with the tours. (SEW)

Validity of using time and behavior as predictors of learning was tested by collecting detailed visitor behavior and time expenditure while interacting with a participatory museum exhibit. Data from 12- and 13-year-olds (N=63: 32 males, 31 females) support the feasibility of using these predictors. Learning was measured using a 14-item test.…

Determined instructional effectiveness of cave exhibit and location of information panel (near entrance of exit) and if the exhibit was more effective than a group walking through similar habitat and viewing a film. Results are reported for the 28 grade 7/8 students participating in the study. (JN)

Describes cooperative effort between museum and school for students in grades six through eight which involved field trips to two local historical resources. At a homestead site, students participated in domestic duties and period crafts. At a cemetery, students recorded data and made rubbings. (KC)

Introduces the J. Paul Getty Museum as Santa Monica College's satellite center for art history courses. Cites the museum's proximity, frequent use of the collection by instructors, and the museum's utilization as a learning center without tuition as benefits of the cooperative arrangement. (CAM)

Describes the function of the children's museum in the life of a community and in the experience of a visitor. Included are the emotional experiences of the museum personnel as they moved to change their facility. (SA)

Describes the role of the Institute of Museum Services, Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, which was set up to coordinate private and public financial support for museums of all kinds. The Institute is working with other government agencies to have museums considered "educational institutions" for additional federal aid. (MF)

Toronto is creating a miniature knowledge-building society, using Computer Supported Intentional Learning Environment (CSILE) software. Part of the Canada-wide TeleLearning Network of Centres of Excellence, CSILE links diverse participants, including schoolchildren and parents; teacher education and medical students; museum, engineering, science…