High Tech! High Touch! Conference

“Digital native” is the term that describes the current generation raised in a digital environment controlled by Internet, MP3 players, cell phones, smartphones, social networking websites, etc. Most of us think they are young, fast-thinkers, multitasks, clever and more open to diversity[1]. Nevertheless, there are also people claiming that Internet is making us stupid[2]. The debate is open.

Instead of waiting for an answer, most museums have made the choice to jump on the tech wagon and today, in the cultural sector, technology is playing an increasing role in the way of providing information, organising tours, connecting with visitors, crating communities, facilitating access to museum collections, and so on.

Children’s museums are also facing this paradigm shift. For some, it challenges the traditional role of their insitutions based on physical contact and the senses, for others it opens new perspectives of collaboration and dialogue with their audiences. Will technology supplant children's museums traditional practice based on corporal and sensory experience? Can a museum for children remain effective in promoting learning if it turns away from new technologies? How are children museums coping with these changes? During four days, from 3 to 6 November 2009, children’s museums professional from Europe will gather together in Paris for the Hand On! Europe conference and discuss these issues.

The programme will comprise presentations in plenary sessions, debates and personal accounts with a panel of experts and workshops. One day will be dedicated to emerging technologies and their role in children's museums. The second day will focus on active participation and the sharing of experiences amongst those attending. Visits will also be organised to museums in Paris to enable participants to exchange views on their professions and practices.

7th International Conference of Hands On! Europe
High Tech! High Touch!
3-6 November 2009
Cité des sciences et de l’industrie
30, avenue Corentin-Cariou
75019 Paris – France


[1] Don Tapscott, 2008. Grown Up Digital. How the Net Generation is Changing Your World. MacGraw Hill
[2] Nicholas Carr, 2008. Is Google Making Us Stoopid ?. The Atlantic, July/August. http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200807/google