back in the days when I was young, but I'm not a kid anymore, but some days I sit and wish I was a kid again - AHMAD

Jennifer SteinKamp

Ronnie Reagan, 4

2009

While observing and playing at the Chicago Children's Museum, I came to a fairly concrete conclusion about the use of technology in exhibits and museum activities:  technology needs to complement an exhibit or experience instead dominating an exhibit or experience.  Many of the children at the museum, including myself, needed to be physical, indulge in their senses, and share this experience with their families and friends, and it is important for technology to not get in the way.  Moreover, I noticed how some exhibits that used technology were successful while others were not, such as the Cyberchase exhibit by PBS.  However, I want to share two exhibits that were stimulating in their own ways and good examples of technology use in a children's museum.

First, I really enjoyed the interactive graphic projections of butterflies and the water falling.  As you approached the screens, your silhouette became part of the projection where butterflies landed on your head and the falling water was diverted by your figure.  I understand how this installation could be easily overlooked by children since it just looks like an elaborate entry way into the Backyard exhibit, yet I appreciated how it captured the adults in a fun way.  I think it is great that children can see their parents getting involved and excited about exhibits at the children's museum too.  As seen in the video above, this exhibit reminded me of Jennifer SteinKamp's graphic creations.   Even though there was not some product to take home to remember this experience (such as a photo on a website),  I loved how this piece of technology encouraged you to be present and "in the moment", whatever age you are. 

The other exhibit where technology complemented the activity was the Build Your Own Skyscraper challenge.  Katie, Luthando, and myself couldn't help but take on the challenge of building a skyscraper that reached the clouds.  As you build your skyscraper, the computer documents the whole process and at the end gets compiled into a storybook.  After you are done building, you get to choose your photos and answer questions like "what did you learn" and "what was your strategy" into a microphone that records your answers.  This is a perfect example of technology not taking away from the special interactions you have with family and friends, but becoming a fun bonus for young children all the way up to adults.  When you get home, you take the building permit number, visit the website, and download the photos and story for your own safekeeping.  In a sense, I truly felt like a kid again with this exhibit.