ERIC Number: EJ1393179
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023-Sep
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1871-1502
EISSN: EISSN-1871-1510
Navigating into the Future of Science Museum Education: Focus on Educators' Adaptation during COVID-19
Cultural Studies of Science Education, v18 n3 p647-667 Sep 2023
Repeated closures of the world's science museums to stem the spread of COVID-19 have significantly reduced visitors' access to informal science learning opportunities. Interviews with educators and an analysis of the online content of a science museum were used in this case study to examine the impact of this phenomenon on informal science education. We present several education examples to highlight how educators have attempted to adapt. Specifically, we describe and characterize educators' strategies--"collaboration, networking," and "feedback"--to address difficulties involved in developing virtually accessible content that will engage users. In addition, we analyze essential attributes of informal learning in the science museum attributes of "interaction, free-choice learning, hands-on experience," and "authentic learning" that the educators kept in mind while planning and redesigning educational programs and cultural events in response to COVID-19. We conclude by forecasting the future of science museums based on the educators' perceptions of their roles and the nature of informal science learning, assuming that educators are the crucial agents to build a new future direction.
Descriptors: Science Education, Museums, Adjustment (to Environment), COVID-19, Pandemics, Teachers, Web Sites, Nonschool Educational Programs, Educational Strategies, Teacher Role, Educational Change, Nonformal Education, Program Design, Emergency Programs
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A