In theory, I think that increased participation will allow visitors the opportunity for a better engaging learning experience. The use of hands-on technology increases the possibilities for different learning styles.
The challenge in answering the question "What gaps could technology fill within the museum?" is that it is a concept I am not used to thinking about. Another question: "How could one's experience in museums be enhanced without the technology becoming the focus of the interactive?"
I am in the age group that "grew up with" technology, such as the desktop computer and the internet (though these were not yet in full swing when I was born. Something I'm proud of.) Even so, the idea of having monetarily expensive equipment everywhere to do the simplest of things is still somewhat unreal in my mind.
It is difficult to think about technology as an aid when half the time (skewed perception, but also some truth to it) technology is used as a bragging tool in higher institutions (for good reason, but also for money-making purposes). It is difficult to take these tools seriously when there are "idea men" simply throwing around the names of Apple products without having genuine plans for their use in mind.
Obviously this is not always the case. I think it is absolutely fantastic that places/real working concepts like YouMedia (YOUmedia Chicago link here) exists and are using technology in accessible locations (such as the Harold Washington Library Center, the central public library branch in Chicago's downtown south loop) in order to provide learning resources to those that may not be able to play with and learn with these newer technologies otherwise. More will be discussed about YOUmedia at a later date.
In the next few days, I will share what I think might enhance the museum experience technologically. For now, I'm going to think on it.
