What kinds of Discussions make for the best online learning experiences?

The Science Museum of Minnesota, together with the Museum of Life & Science and Michigan State University, tried to find some answers. 

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.

Program One: Experimonth:Identity

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

Program two:                           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. 

For Educators: A facilitation toolbox for Digital Engagement

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.