Should childrens museums invest more in computer technology?

Should children’s museums invest more capital in funding computer technology for learning? I think the answer is generally yes. Given the need for both technology education more broadly and the increasing needs of people to keep up in the information economy suggests a real opportunity of children’s museums to capitalize on demand. (Although, this will vary from geographically market to market–as well as the specific technology. Also, it may require a choice between Mac & PC, but thats a different consideration).

Training is growing (and specifically technology training is growing) which provides an opportunity for childrens museums to partner with outside providers in the space.

For instance if you have the following set up:

$600 per day or $300 per half day (20 computers at $30 per computer–although that may not be the exact ideal price point and obviously your numbers may fluxuate between 10 to 15 and 25 to 35).

x 312 days per year (that excludes sundays)
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$187, 200

Even if you add technology costs (assume $1,200 to 2,400 per work station this is still very reasonable assuming you can secure near full booking)

What classes could they teach?

1) graphic design using Photoshop
2) photo editing using Elements & Photoshop
3) computer programing (.net, etc..)
4) web development (HTML, Php, Ruby on Rails as well as wordpress and drupal)
5) IT Certification
6) Productivity (ie how to use Excel, etc…)
7) Power point design (presentation design)
8] Video editing (After Effects)
9) the Adobe suite & other popular software
10) multi-media & digital storytelling

Also both 2 & 8 as well as other suggest other educational opportunities (ie photography & video shooting). It would also be interesting to see a class explaining what we can learn about design principles from the natural world.

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