Dissertation:	An iterative investigation into the implementation of handheld computers as learning tools in a science museum
Advisor:	Shawn Rowe, Assistant Professor and Marine Education Specialist
Program:	Oregon State University, Free-Choice Science Learning Program

ABSTRACT

In this study I discuss the state of Free-Choice Learning research, and an investigation into the use of personal ubiquitous technology on visitors' experiences at a science center. The three manuscripts included in this document:

1.	Review published research on free-choice learning from 1997-2007 from selected journals.
2.	Examine visitors' interest in using handheld computers (iPods) for learning in a science museum, and report on refining protocols for this type of research.
3.	Investigate the impact of using an iPod with supplementary videos on visitors' use and understanding of an exhibit (below) on scientific chaos.

This study was approached in two phases, the first phase follows the principles of design research in exploring ways to present the iPods within the most favorable context to encourage learning. These changes were systematically implemented and their impact on visitors' experiences were documented. The second phase of the research focused on one particular exhibit and three accompanying videos on the iPod. This exhibit is well loved, but difficult to understand for visitors and docents alike. Through naturalistic inquiry and iterative open coding, I found visitors interpreted appropriate use of the exhibit in four distinct ways: HOW DOES IT WORK?, WAITING FOR THE SPLASH, INTERACTING, and RESTING. However, iPod users all interpreted appropriate use of the exhibit as HOW DOES IT WORK?. Careful observation of visitors' actions at the "Chaos Wheel" exhibit suggests that the exhibit needs some revision if it is to become more accessible to more visitors. The iPod represents one way to increase the accessibility of the exhibit, but other means should be explored.

Watch this video to see how the Chaos Wheel works.

RESEARCH REFLECTIONS

How did you end up choosing your dissertation topic?

My research project started as a summer job. Joe Cone of Oregon Sea Grant had developed some videos for iPods and PDAs for the Hatfield Marine Science Center and was looking for someone to distribute the devices and administer a survey. Once I started working on this project, I saw lots of potential beyond just distributing the devices and administering the survey. People just weren't taking the devices, things definitely needed to change or it was going to be a long boring summer. It was at this point that I turned to the principles of design research and it became my research topic. We (I worked closely with Christine Smith) found that even though video iPods were the hot new thing that summer (2006), that wasn't enough to get visitors to take them while at the museum.

Where has your Ph.D. work taken you professionally? Tell us about your current research projects.

I am currently working at the Science Museum of Minnesota doing evaluation and research on learning. I'm involved in a variety of projects focusing on two basic areas — earth science, and technology. As an internal evaluator at a busy museum I get to work on lots of different projects, and with lots of different people. A couple of the projects I'm working on are Science on a Sphere, which combines technology and earth science, and Media MashUp, a consortium of librarians who are running workshops on Scratch (a computer programming language) with youth in libraries.

What are your broader research interests going forward — what areas do you find particularly fascinating or needing attention?

My broader research interests lie in how we as museum professionals and researchers can best leverage computer-based technology to enhance the learning potential of informal education experiences. This includes using handheld computers to provide more customized content, using computers to help visitors make meaning from complex data visualizations (e.g. satellite data), and teaching computer programming in informal settings. I think that computers and computer-based technologies have great potential in informal settings, but that we need to pay careful attention to how these tools get re-purposed for new uses in settings like museums. Because computer technology is so ubiquitous, people often think that devices are ready-to-use in museums without significant changes. However, as I found in my dissertation work with the iPods, ubiquitous technologies need different kinds of support in museum settings. Many computer-based technologies are designed for single users, so they need to be adapted to encourage social interaction.

REFERENCES

Phipps, M. & Rowe, S. (in press). Seeing satellite data. Public Understanding of Science.

Phipps, M., Rowe, S., & Cone, J. (2008). Incorporating handheld computers into a public science center: A design research study. Visitor Studies, 11(2), 123-138.