Principal Investigator
Association of Science and Technology Centers
Project Description
This is a literature review and narrative report on a series of virtual events sponsored by the Association of Science and Technology Centers in 2021 and 2022 that describes how the COVID-19 pandemic affected science centers’ and museums’ digital programming.
Research Questions
- What do science centers and museums need to continue to provide creative, effective, and equitable digital programs for diverse audiences?
Key Findings
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a dramatic increase in the number and type of digital engagement opportunities offered by museums, science centers, and other informal learning institutions. While some efforts to expand digital engagement existed pre-pandemic, the sudden pivot away from in-person experiences, especially early in the pandemic, led to a dramatic increase in the number and breadth of digital experiences across our field. As museums are now trying to determine whether and how to maintain these digital programs, this literature review pulls together some of the most relevant knowledge about research, opportunities, and challenges that museums face in digital engagement.
Study Citation
Association of Science and Technology Centers. (2022). Museum Digital Engagement: A Review of Literature. Washington, D.C. Retrieved from www.astc.org/digital-engagement
The Key Findings above were reproduced from the published report and do not necessarily reflect interpretation of Overdeck Family Foundation staff.
