Investigating online museum exhibits and personal cognitive learning preferences

Abstract

Web-based technologies offer opportunities to enhance the design of online learning environments. As a result, many museums around the world are now adopting ICT tools that emphasise the use of Web-based multi-media, which enrich and fulfil their visitors’ learning experiences. Nevertheless, awareness of the complexities of human computer interaction (HCI) has presented a new dilemma that challenges the design and development of content for online learning systems. As tempting as it is, the adoption of these emerging ICT tools in a museum needs to be aligned with appropriate instructional strategies to ensure the effectiveness of their visitors’ learning outcomes. This paper describes the research in progress that investigates the interactive effects of information systems interface (ISI) access with students’ cognitive style preferences when participating in museum learning experiences.