ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
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We developed audio content for people with vision deficits for our museum.
In the 3 years it has been available I think maybe at most 2 people have
ever availed themselves of it. We don't even have it currently on the floor.
IMHO, it was a waste of resources. We did our best to involve the sight
impaired community in its development and publicized it both in and out of
the museum, but it still seems like it fills a need that no one seems to
think they have.

Phil Edgerton, Asheville, NC

-----Original Message-----
From: Eric Siegel [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2006 3:39 PM
Subject: Re: Science exhibit pod casts


ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
institutions.
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Show of hands...which *hands on* science center have you seen that
uses audio tours?  I only know of one, the NY Hall of Science.  Any
others?  I would be very interested in hearing about either research
or anecdotal reports on their uptake rate and their effectiveness.
In our case, the uptake rate is vanishingly small (even when they
have been free).  NSF funded a research program here which showed
that they were very effective for adults at the Hall, but not
effective for children. They funded a follow up program demonstrating
that a universally designed audio tour could be very effective for
low vision and blind visitors.

Second, how many of you have tried a museum podcast tour?  Any
reports on how they were?  I've read the news accounts, but never
tried one.

Eric Siegel
New York Hall of Science
[log in to unmask]
(718) 699-0005 x 317

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