The military museum at the US Military Academy at West Point is a stark contrast with the Sony Wonder Technology Lab. Just a visit to each's website gives the casual observer an indication of how each approaches the use of technology.
The West Point museum's web site has two pages with a brief description of their major exhibits. The photos are in black and white. The Sony site is much more colorful, includes a flash generated tour and has activities and downloads. It is appropriate that something labelled a 'Technology Wonder Lab' have a compelling web-site, but in truth the functionality is a bit limited.
The greater differences become apparent when you visit each museum in person. The Sony Lab has interactive technology kiosks typically driven by a touch-screen user interface. Each station has a representation of some form of technology as varied as the telephone and magnetic resonance imaging. The object of each station in the parade of technology is to have the student learn how something works through 'hands on' experiences.
The military museum at West Point could benefit tremendously by integrating technology. The current exhibit layout is compelling only to military history buffs. Warfare artifacts are interesting, but the advancement of strategic military advantage through innovation is unstated. Instead, an interactive kiosk linking certain weapons with key battles won in history could compel the viewer to draw cause & effect relationships.
Another simple kiosk could be maps changing with a time line. An example could be the land gains of the Axis powers in WWII and the subsequent retreat after D-Day and the Battle of Stalingrad. One needs to use technology to make history come alive.
I was also surprised at the total absence of any audio files of speeches by great generals, commentary about battles or even letters home from troops. These primary documents can be compelling to the casual observer if presented properly.
No comments:
Post a Comment