Embracing opportunities and risks in virtual reality

Digital storytelling and interactive media, such as virtual, augmented, and mixed reality, present a key opportunity for museums to engage contemporary and future audiences. Museums should be at the forefront of these emerging technologies, yet they are often perceived as too risky for museums to embrace. It is important that the museum community share experiences on how this can be done effectively and efficiently.

This professional form will allow attendees to participate in a discussion on how Virtual Reality can play a critical role in engaging museum audiences. Drawing upon the experiences of The Franklin Institute and The Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation, which have incorporated virtual reality and interactive media into their digital and corporate strategies, this forum will invite participants to share their experiences and explore questions on how their institutions can use VR to engage audiences; initiate interactive media projects; prototype experiences using visitor experiences; leverage partnerships and collaboration; and implement new technologies and manage risks within a museum environment.

Bibliography:
Miller, Carolyn Handler; Digital Storytelling: A Creator’s Guide to Interactive Entertainment, 3rd Ed.; Focal Press; 2014

Rae, Juno and Lizzie Edwards. "Virtual reality at the British Museum: What is the value of virtual reality environments for learning by children and young people, schools, and families?." MW2016: Museums and the Web 2016. Published January 28, 2016. Consulted September 30, 2016.
http://mw2016.museumsandtheweb.com/paper/virtual-reality-at-the-british-museum-what-is-the-value-of-virtual-reality-environments-for-learning-by-children-and-young-people-schools-and-families/

Karmazyn, Stephen, “The role of virtual reality and technology in the future of museums”, The Globe and Mail, May 1, 2016
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/the-role-of-virtual-reality-and-technology-in-the-future-of-museums/article29806065/