Evaluation of Hypermedia and Interactivity in the Museum: A Constructivist approach to Instructional Design

Contemporary educational communications and technology have brought new ways for presentation of museum content. Advances in telecornmunlcations, computers, videography and printing are revolutlonlzing the grounds on which people encounter art, science, and culture. This techndoglcal change Is causing scientists and educators to re-think the formats for their material In our museums and, eventually, in our homes. Sensible perspectives on evaluation are needed to guide the use of the old content in the new avenues. One convenient source for a checklist of principles for evaluation of interactive exhibits is the Responsive Environments Program developed by Dr. Omar K. Moore. This paradigm has been applied educationally to many technologlcal innovations as they have come forth in the past four decades. The principles are fourfold: Perspectives, Productivity, Personalization and Autotelicity. Exhibit designers are encouraged to consider the playforms or "folk models" which the visitor would assume during the lnteractlon with the hypermedia. While the environment does promote free exploration and creative application, there Is expert feedback throughout the experience.