onlincourse

The Museum as a Site and Source for Learning

Discover the purpose of museums today and how their collections, objects and spaces can facilitate learning with this online course from the University of Glasgow.

Duration

3 weeks

Weekly study

4 hours

100% online

How it works

Unlimited subscription

Learn more

Established

1451

Location

Glasgow, Scotland, UK

World ranking

Source: QS World University Rankings 2020

Find out how museum collections, spaces and technology help visitors learn

What is the purpose of museums in today’s world - a world obsessed with technology? On this course we explore what can be gained from interacting with museum collections and spaces, and how to use technology to encourage engagement.

You will consider the ways museum collections improve our understanding of history and how museums can use artefacts to engage learners. You will also explore how museums can better use their spaces to create learning experiences for all visitors.

Week 1
It Starts With the Visitors
- Course Introduction
  Overview of course structure and course educators
- Demystifying Demographics
  Learners as visitors
- The Museum Experience
  Looking at provision for diverse audiences
- Lost Youth
  Why young people seem to resist museum visits
- Breaking Down Barriers
  Some ways of engaging young visitors
- Technology- How Can It Inform Visitor Studies
  Usages of social media
Week 2
The Exhibition Takes Centre Stage
- About the Exhibition
  Study of a contemporary art exhibition
- The Role of the Curator
  Exploration of a key role in the exhibition process
- Teaching Contemporary Art
  Some of the challenges for educators in teaching contemporary art.
- Learning From Object
  An opportunity to explore ways in which objects help us learn.
- The Art of Label Writing
  The skills needed to interpret museum collections through words.
Week 3
The Role of the Conservator/ Your Exhibition
- What is a Conservator?
  An exploration of the important role of the conservator in exhibitions.
- Do Not Touch！
  Understanding why such rules exist and why we must respect them.
- Condition Report
  Creating your own report on an object.
- Preparing for Your Exhibition
  Getting ready to present based on what you have learned.