A second goal of the project was to identify issues to be addressed over both the short- and long-terms relative to the development of device's content, features and functionality. These findings would also be used to assess and enhance the device’s relevance to student groups’ educational goals while at the organization's various museums.
Third, these research instruments were designed to draw out from participants specific opinions and perspectives on pricing, distribution, and other areas of concern to educators who might potentially utilize the device as a part of their students’ overall museum learning and entertainment experience.
As the primary research instrument, the paper survey was comprised of 19 predominantly closed-ended questions, measuring educators’ experiences across 34 items in total. The survey collected data in a variety of areas, including background and demographic information on the educators, their schools, and their students; information on field trips and educators’ use of technology; and educators’ specific experiences with the test device.
A secondary instrument was administered to a random sample of participants following their completion of the paper survey. This supplemental instrument was designed to further explore educators’ experiences with and perceptions of the combination lanyard/headphone device, elicit opinions and suggestions for potential distribution models for the device in museum settings, and to recruit educators for participation in future education and museum research projects.