Online forums help in stimulating debates and reflection on a wide range of cultural topics, as well as providing answers for museum professionals working in specialised areas. The main objective of this paper is to concentrate on the relevance of individuals interacting virtually within an informal knowledge setting, from which to judge the value of Web‐based discussion groups. However, little is known about how museum‐related forums target their audience and which subjects are of real interest to them. Arising from the statistical results of an international survey of users of online museum forums, the authors have investigated the users’ socio‐demographic profile, their content preference, and favourite Web‐based discussions (e.g. e‐mail lists, newsgroups, forums). The outcome of the collected data should be useful in further binding together the worldwide museum community, as there is great scope for enlivening interactions and empowering individual knowledge in various fields of expertise.

Une étude a été menée au musée Victoria & Albert afin d'évaluer les réactions du public vis-à-vis des bornes interactives installées dans la galerie du verre. Elles comprennent deux parties : le système de cartel électronique des objets exposés dans la galerie et le cédérom Histoire du verre. Des questionnaires ont été remplis par 520 visiteurs -36l personnes ayant consulté la borne contre 159 personnes qui ne l'ont pas regardée. Nous avons comparé les non-utilisateurs et les utilisateurs pour définir les facteurs qui entravent l'usage d'une borne. La satisfaction provoquée par l'utilisation du cédérom Histoire du verre s'accompagne du sentiment d'avoir nettement augmenté ses connaissances. La capacité des systèmes électroniques à permettre aux musées de réaliser leurs objectifs éducatifs ne peut être ignorée.

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This chapter looks at ways of examining informal e-learning environments to address innovative pedagogy, from two well-known institutions, where the theme of science is promoted within virtual centers, in a manner that is motivating for both online and onsite visitors. The author argues that real-time interactions such as Web casting act as a focus that enriches the people’s interest and thus enhances the notion of Public Understanding of Research (PUR), while “being socialized” through the scientific community. Science centers have recently expanded their mission beyond hands-on interactive exhibits, by adopting a reflective perspective drawn from a multidisciplinary approach to technological progress; that is, covering sociological, political, historical, philosophical and even ethical issues through online conferences and live demonstrations for visitors to become involved in topical debates. This allows them to form their own viewpoints on contemporary concerns ranging from genetic engineering and sustainability to space exploration. Within the diversity of educational resources offered by virtual science centers, it is suggested that museologists should emphasize a comprehensive description of scientific-related matters, tackling subjects, people and places, rather than objects themselves in order to genuinely fulfill a social need and arouse the audience’s curiosity.

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