This presentation was given to the Historic New Harmony staff and associates on March 13, 2009. They are working on strategic plans for the future of their visitor center (the Atheneum).

1. participatory learning
and the future of the
Atheneum
nina simon, museum 2.0

2. the outline
what is participatory learning
why I care (and I think you should too)
how to incorporate it into the Atheneum
all slides and links are here: http://newharmony.wik.is

3. What is participatory learning?
constructivist learning theory
atomized, on-demand content
relevance to personal experience
emphasis on interpersonal exchange
engagement in niche communities
multi-platform engagement

4. what does a participatory platform look like?

5. what is social technology?
tools that enable people to create,
share, and connect with each other

6. what makes YouTube different?

7. who uses it?

8. what excites them?

9. the Web isn’t necessary,
but it makes some things easier

10. the Web isn’t necessary,
but it makes some things easier
easier to publish easier to distribute

11. the Web isn’t necessary,
but it makes some things easier
easier to access easier to track

12. the Web isn’t necessary,
but it makes some things easier
zine blog
radio show podcast
group project wiki
word of mouth ratings-enabled site
address book social network

13. and as things get easier,
users can depend on each other
old relationship new relationships
Authority is content provider Authority is platform provider

14. so how can you do it?
be an authority
be a participant
(or do both)

15. first, listen
find out where you are...

16. first, listen
find out where you are... and where your audience is

17. and decide what kind of relationship you want

18. personalized maps and “trails”
finding the way in that works for you

19. SMART STUDIO
querying the environment to find interpretative material

20. ON AIR
connecting with conceptual environments

21. museum without walls
museum giving away content for remix

22. global membership
connecting members via affinity, not geography

23. alternate reality games
museum as locus for shared narrative

24. visitors as exhibit contributors
museum as facilitator of community co-design

25. visitors as exhibit designers
virtual-to-real design

26. online and onsite communities
museum as hub of community activity

27. discussion
what are your greatest needs?
what assets do you want to build on?
what new relationships will you seek?
all slides and links are here: http://newharmony.wik.is