ABSTRACT
This chapter invites participants to think critically about the objects use in learning experiences. To appreciate how informal learning environments offer access to “special” objects, participants read case studies that examine how learners interact with and learn from different types of objects. Participants are then challenged to apply these ideas to design an experience using one of four types of objects to capitalize on these objects’ potential to support learning, engagement, motivation, and understanding. Objects have cultural, historical, scientific and artistic information. Informal learning environments offer learners access to these objects for learning that may or may not be readily accessible to the general public. An object’s features can be the starting point for conversations and elaborations distinct from the kinds of conversations initiated by other materials such as books, television, and the Internet. Eberbach and Crowley argued for the inclusion of living organisms as authentic objects.
