Abstract

This paper investigates the current educational applications of video technology within the context of the museum. Two main categories of use are identified and examined: edcuational uses and research applications. Educational applications of video technology seek to orient, inform, or educate the visitor in such a way as to enhance the quality of his or her visit. This type of application includes: (i) interactive and non-interactive video exhibits, and (ii) videos used as an addendum to an exhibition. Research applications of video are used mainly as data collection strategies for various types of visitor studies focusing on learning in the museum. Four examples are presented and discussed: (i) visitor observation, (ii) computer-tracking of videodisc usage, (iii) structured video recall, and (iv) informant-made video recordings.