A Learning Assessment of Online Interpretation Practices: from Museum Supply Chains to Experience Ecologies

Despite the mushrooming of museums websites and the central role of interpretation on visitors' experiences, there is limited research on Internet's impact on interpretation. This study proposes an evaluative framework of web interpretation practices based on a constructivist educational perspective. The value of this philosophy for enhancing online interpretation and transforming museums' supply chains and networks to experience ecologies is examined. First, the Internet features enhancing interpretation are analysed and then evaluated by developing a learning framework. The framework is tested by examining its applicability on UK museums' websites. Practical and theoretical implications of the findings and the framework are provided.