The African American Schoolhouse Museum

The African American Schoolhouse Museum on-going VR exhibit was designed to engage you in using digital
technologies to make history and culture accessible to residents of Kent County and the larger world. Working
as teams, you developed specific topic areas through which to help a small, local museum share its story. The
final paper is a reflection on this process, situated in academic discourse around such issues as collection,
display, accessibility, and collaboration.
Each member will upload to Canvas a separate 1750-2000 word essay [minimum of 10 scholarly sources, 3
can be class readings] addressing the following questions:
How do VR exhibits affect the audience [e.g accessibility, experience, engagement]?
How do digital technologies impact heritage site sustainability?
How do the use of virtual reality and online access to heritage alter/influence/intersect with discussions around
the politics of display and representation? Is our current code of ethics adequate for 22nd century [i.e. virtual]
museum making?
While the major thrust of your paper is reflective, affording you the opportunity to express your individual views
on your project and experience, it should be informed from class readings and outside research. As such, your
paper should involve critical analysis to [1] clearly summarize your topic area and approach, [2] amply support
(through appropriate journal articles, theoretical pieces, etc.) the appropriateness of this approach in relation to
questions 1-3 above, [3] recognize and address any shortcomings in your approach, and [4] concisely
summarize your assessment of the process, your product, and suggestions for future avenues by which to
make AASHM accessible to the greater community[ies]. Style of end references and in-text citations is up to
you.