On New Media as a vehicle for learning:
"In many ways, the objects in art museums surpass the limitations of time and space. They speak directly to the hearts of visitors in a language so universal and profound as to transcend cultural, economic, and racial differences. At times, the "voices" of these objects resonate so clearly within us that further explanation is unnecessary.
"But at the same time, art objects can foster a desire to learn more about them. Where was this object made and how was it used? Who was the artist? What did the artist want to express? Traditionally, museums have tried to answer these kinds of questions in written labels and didactic panels.
"New technology provides an alternative to this conventional approach. For curators, who write labels for the objects on display, the chance to create an in-depth Web site is an exciting prospect." |