Professional Bio

My research focuses on comparisons within and between different informal learning environments. I am interested in how families talk and interact together in a variety of spaces such as museums, their homes, and on the web.

My past work has focused on older adults' roles, expectations, and understanding of the learning opportunities available during interactions with their families in museums and on the web.

My current research examines how different design features within a single learning environment can affect how much time families spend, how they interact, what they talk about, and the extent to which they engage with museum exhibits.

I am also interested in how certain topics of conversation that are discussed in one learning environment carry over to other places where families spend time together such as the home. In particular, I want to examine how museum educators might facilitate family talk from one setting to the next.

Expertise & Interest Descriptors

Design of learning environments; How family conversations can be carried across learning environments; Adult roles within museum settings; Impact of different learning environments on knowledge construction, topic interest, and family interactions; Working with museum practitioners to understand the visitor experience

Planned Conference Participation

Attending :: 2009 AERA Annual Meeting
April 13-17, 2009

Attending :: AERA / Informal Learning Environments Research SIG - Business Meeting
April 14, 2009