Utilizing Gigapixel Image Technology for Science Communication in a Museum Setting

• In Event: Using Technology to Enhance Informal Experiences

Abstract

Increasingly, scientists have been tasked with sharing their research with public audiences as a way of supporting the development of a scientifically literate populace. Yet studies have shown that many scientists struggle with the process of communicating their research activities and content to non-expert, public audiences (AAAS, 2008). Content novices also experience difficulty observing and interpreting scientific phenomena without additional scaffolding and mediation (Phillips & Rowe, 2009). The current study addresses this two-tiered problem by combining the strength of museums to mediate content for the public with the power of technology to translate scientists’ ideas. Visitors’ thoughts and conversations at an exhibition using high-resolution Gigapixel image technology are examined for evidence of observational behaviors and content interpretation.

Author

• Camellia Wynona Sanford, Rockman et al