Virtual Museums : Platforms , Practices , Prospects

This chapter provides a broad survey of virtual museums and their developments in a range of contexts from various parts of the world. The focus is on exploring virtual museum platforms and features designed for different purposes and practices, and the prospect of the potential in such virtual environments to meet specific needs in varied contexts. Attention is given particularly to the growing work in Asia, namely, China, Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand and Singapore, which is fast developing, given the rapid technological advancements in the field. Of specific interest are the underlying principles and theoretical perspectives driving studies mediated through digital technologies in various museum settings. Technologically-mediated platforms examined range from Web-based comprising basic text to more complex interactive features, mobile, 3D immersive virtual reality to augmented reality environments with different levels of interactivity and engagement. The pedagogical implications of virtual museum contexts are considered with potential research directions recommended in the growing field of new learning environments in the 21st century.