Examining Virtual Museum Tours from a Special Education Perspective

Abstract

Since the advent of the internet, museums and public institutions have developed an online presence. This is accomplished through virtual tours of 360-degree views that inspire exploration and intellectual curiosity. This review of historical museums and institutions demonstrates the variation through interactivity that technology development allows. All information is available for public knowledge and was part of an independent endeavor to contribute to museum education and traditional classroom experiences. Software information was located on the institution websites. The institutions discussed are located in the United States, France, the Netherlands, and Russia. The museums or institutions that are profiled create a connection to history that is unparalleled. Through exploring these museums or institutions virtually, students and teachers can cultivate a discussion about how people lived in the past and help develop a more comprehensive American or European history curriculum. Access to visualization of the past is also integral to comprehension for students of all abilities. Students with neurodiverse needs or learning disabilities can forge an understanding of the past through these tours. The purpose of this review is to provide information about the resources with reference to strategies that can be used for students with diverse needs. Strategies were derived from previously planned lessons or attempts to apply the websites in classes with students that have IEPs or different learning needs.

Keywords

• Virtual museums tours
• 360-degree
• neurodiverse
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• learning disabilities

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