What discussions make for the best online learning experiences?

A collaboration between the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Museum of Life & Science, and Michigan State University

Our team developed new online museum programs and experimented in facilitating conversations. In these programs our team facilitated conversations through agreed conventions such as playing devil's advocate, asking for clarification, and more.  Researchers then studied the conversations that emerged.

Experimonth: Identity

Using Beck Tench's brainchild, Experimonth, the Science Museum of Minnesota created an online program to compliment the special exhibit Identity. 

Project Feedersketch

In collaboration with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's online forum Feederwatch, we created a month-long challenge for the online birdwatching community to use sketching as they observed birds. 

Facilitation Toolbox

Once the research was in, we developed a website to help other practitioners with digital engagement. 

Funded by a multi-year grant from Institute of Museum and Library Services and completed Science Museum of Minnesota, the Museum of Life and Science, and researchers at Michigan State University.