The Institute of Education, University of London, invited Caroline Marcus as a visiting lecturer to design, lead and deliver the MA: Museums and Galleries in Education module entitled Material and Virtual Cultures: trans-forming the museum and gallery experience (2012-2015).
The module aims to introduce students to the wider conceptual framework in which technology contributes to the interpretation and production of visual culture. The course enables students to:
- Examine technological innovations within museum and gallery histories
- Question ways in which current technologies aim to facilitate inclusion and interactivity in galleries and museums
- Critically analyse the interpretive role of digital media and digital devices in galleries, museums and heritage.
The lecture and seminar programme focuses on interdisciplinary and contemporary discussions around the authenticity of the object, taxonomies of the ‘visual,’ the impact of technology on public and private spheres, the relationship between old and new media, interactivity, and use of technologies to develop new audiences and new ways of facilitating learning. Visiting speakers from wide ranging disciplines gave students the opportunity to examine and discuss institutions, collections, audiences and learning theories.
Students are supported in their reading and encouraged to reflect on their own professional practice and experiences. Visits to the Jewish Museum, Museum of London, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, V&A and a selection of smaller Museums provided a context for addressing contemporary practices, materials, and issues in museum and gallery education in relation to new media technologies.
