Open Forum

Hello, Sharon-
We combine objects and technology in many of our video conference programs. Example: with our lesson on rocks and minerals we ship a kit of specimens from our mineralogy department to the elementary school. Our Educators instruct students to look at specific specimens as we describe the rock cycle.
These programs received high praise from teachers, commenting that the combination of live interaction with museum specialists and physical specimens keeps even very young students engaged.
It is a lot of work for our crew, keeping track of these kits as they move back and forth between our location and schools- but the great reviews and repeat customers make it worthwhile. 

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Lee Gambol
Distance Learning Coordinator
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Cleveland OH
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-24-2017 09:57 AM
From: Sharon Shaffer
Subject: The Role of Objects for Young Learners

I am working on a book chapter that focuses on the role of objects for young learners and thinking about how technology may or may not change the vital role that objects have always played in that process.  I welcome any thoughts you may have about this topic and any other comments on how museums, collecting museums and children's museums, view objects as opportunities for young learners. I know that it is a broad topic, but your thoughts are important. Feel free to comment in this space or directly to me at sharonshaffer.consulting@gmail.com.  Thank you for your feedback.

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Sharon Shaffer, PhD

Early Learning in Museums, Inc.

675 Four Seasons Drive

Ruckersville, VA 22968

571.236.2349

Thanks, Lee.  This is a great example of the intersection of technology and objects.  The opportunities for a sensory experience are most often highlighted by teachers and learners as a plus, which seems to be true in your case as well.

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Sharon Shaffer PhD
Principal, Education Consultant
Ruckersville VA
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-27-2017 07:13 AM
From: Lee Gambol
Subject: The Role of Objects for Young Learners

Hello, Sharon-
We combine objects and technology in many of our video conference programs. Example: with our lesson on rocks and minerals we ship a kit of specimens from our mineralogy department to the elementary school. Our Educators instruct students to look at specific specimens as we describe the rock cycle.
These programs received high praise from teachers, commenting that the combination of live interaction with museum specialists and physical specimens keeps even very young students engaged.
It is a lot of work for our crew, keeping track of these kits as they move back and forth between our location and schools- but the great reviews and repeat customers make it worthwhile. 

------------------------------
Lee Gambol
Distance Learning Coordinator
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Cleveland OH
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-24-2017 09:57 AM
From: Sharon Shaffer
Subject: The Role of Objects for Young Learners

I am working on a book chapter that focuses on the role of objects for young learners and thinking about how technology may or may not change the vital role that objects have always played in that process.  I welcome any thoughts you may have about this topic and any other comments on how museums, collecting museums and children's museums, view objects as opportunities for young learners. I know that it is a broad topic, but your thoughts are important. Feel free to comment in this space or directly to me at sharonshaffer.consulting@gmail.com.  Thank you for your feedback.

--

Sharon Shaffer, PhD

Early Learning in Museums, Inc.

675 Four Seasons Drive

Ruckersville, VA 22968

571.236.2349

Hi Sharon,

At our museum we have a close relationship between Curatorial and Education. I have made it a point to identify objects for an education/handling collection. I even have a team member who is my 'education liaison' who has developed a lesson plan that focuses on using 3D objects to interpret history instead of text. I will be presenting it at the Emerging Innovators Forum at AAM in St. Louis, as well. We have adapted it for a couple of grade levels and for ESL students. Please let me know if you have any questions.

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Christina Bulow
Registrar/Collections Manager
Pacific Aviation Museum--Pearl Harbor
Honolulu HI
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-24-2017 09:57 AM
From: Sharon Shaffer
Subject: The Role of Objects for Young Learners

I am working on a book chapter that focuses on the role of objects for young learners and thinking about how technology may or may not change the vital role that objects have always played in that process.  I welcome any thoughts you may have about this topic and any other comments on how museums, collecting museums and children's museums, view objects as opportunities for young learners. I know that it is a broad topic, but your thoughts are important. Feel free to comment in this space or directly to me at sharonshaffer.consulting@gmail.com.  Thank you for your feedback.

--

Sharon Shaffer, PhD

Early Learning in Museums, Inc.

675 Four Seasons Drive

Ruckersville, VA 22968

571.236.2349