Using iPad Book Creator to Document Children's Learning in Children's Museums

• In Event: Integrating STEAM and Early Childhood

Abstract

We know children benefit from learning experiences in informal learning environments, such as children’s museums. However, how to measure children’s learning is a constant question for informal education researchers. There are many promising options, including naturalistic observation (Falk & Storksdieck, 2005), observation checklists (Beaumont, 2010), and self-report (Hamama & Ronen, 2009). Researchers have documented many of the challenges with measuring learning in informal learning (IFL) spaces. The present project pilots an approach to documentation that addresses each of these characteristics and expands on this in piloting a novel approach to documenting learning experiences in a children’s museum. This project piloted the use of Ipad Book Creator to investigate how the book creator works to document children’s learning experiences at the museum.

Authors

• Amber N. Smith, University of Missouri
  Presenting Author

• Jennifer Jo Baumgartner, Louisiana State University
  Presenting Author