The human faces of the museum education

[Brett McLennan]

Hello All

We have looked recently at technology issues that drive audience participation and engagement at our institutions; but what about real world engagement?

The reason for this question revolves around the the expectations of an audience who may engage first online then in person (or vice versa).

So if we take education as an example what do we expect of our Online Museum Educators vs In Person Museum Educators. eg is one informal and one formal in their presentation style? Is one funny and one serious? Or is it a mash-up of both?

Anyone want to have a go at filling in the columns below and build a picture of the two educators?


Online Educator -- In Person Educator

[Angelina Russo]

Hi Brett
Intriguing question and one which I'm interested to see the development of. The attached file isn't working though! Can you re-upload?! Ta!

[Brett McLennan]

Thanks Angelina

My fault for a poor explanation. There is no attached file rather two heading under which people can list the synergy/dichotomy

For example

Online Educator --> In Person Educator

Factual Precise --> Informative and funny
brief to the point --> Detailed
Informal --> formal

It may also be what kind of visual picture do we have of the in person museum educator? Are they:
decked out in a Museum uniform?
Are they in suit and tie
do they look like a scruffy academic with hounds-tooth jacket and leather arm patches...?
are they funky and young, old and measured, old and funky, young and measured

Would any of these things affect students relate to the museum floor? Doe the picture we build of the real museum educator differ from the web 2.0 version (and do we ever picture the person?

Brett

[Pauline Fitzgerald]

Hi Brett
This is an interesting thought and my initial response is that they are more alike than different. For me as a educator in a museum one of the most important aspects of the job is to connect with the kids as quickly as possible because if I can't do that I can't assist them in their learning. We generally have a very short time together and we want it to be the best experience possible and this is probably the same on line.
While I acknowledge the many valid reasons for having a uniform for example, I really hate it (and it's not just the colour) because I feel like I'm not really me when I'm wearing a beige shirt .
A previous manager of education here at the museum was very strongly opposed to the whole uniform thing for his staff and his argument was that it hindered the relationship you want to have with the kids. I think the way you dress does really influence how kids relate to you and I guess online that equates to tone of voice. Do you want to be an authority figure (in a suit) giving the facts or do you want to be approachable, friendly and informed (in your jeans). Who will your audience want to have a conversation with?
Pauline

[K Landon]

I don't think there's necessarily a dichotomy -- I think to be effective, online or in person, one must be adaptable. While some face to face education settings (even in a museum) require seriousness, details, etc., those behaviors can all come to good use online too. The key is knowing what the situation requires. (i.e., twitter requires me to be brief and friendly; I'm also professional in my dealings there, but not stiff.)