Web Casts as Informal E-Learning for Scientific Centers

The advent of global digital networking, chiefly the Internet, broadened access to cultural portals with various remote online education resources, providing a unique behind-thescenes view of knowledge, and therefore re-established the visitor’s own ability of self-learning. Science centers capitalized on that development, as they expanded their mission beyond lab assessments and hands-on interactive exhibits using Web casting with explainers; the most recent innovative technology for real-time demonstrations involve real and virtual scientific institutions. Hence, adopting a multidisciplinary perspective covering both the humanities and natural sciences such as biology, heritage, physics, civilization, informatics, theology, medicine, anthropology, and even law for visitors have become involved in topical debates. Web casting allows individuals to form their viewpoints on contemporary concerns ranging from genetic engineering and sustainability to space exploration. This article is a revised version of a book article on the usage of Web casts covering two scientific institutions: La Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie of Paris, France and the Exploratorium of San Francisco, California, United States. We examined creative approaches, in particular fields, to address innovative pedagogy within virtual scientific centers (Bernier, 2005).