Effect sizes and research directions of technology application in museum learning: Evidence obtained by integrating meta‐analysis with co‐citation network analysis

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundMany researchers have explored the impact of various technologies in museums on learning effects. Whether the application of technology in informal museum learning is effective, is the current issue that scholars pay more attention to.ObjectivesThis study will find the evidence to determine the effects of technology use on museum learning outcomes, and identify the future research trends in the field of technology application in museum learning.MethodsThis study used a meta‐analysis method to statistically analyse the experimental and quasi‐experimental research in this field, and explored the effect sizes of technology application on the learning effect of museums. And the co‐citation network analysis method was used to analyse the distribution of academic groups and research institutions in this field and the changes in research hotspots.Results and ConclusionsThe results show that technologies significantly enhance noncognitive learning. Significant differences exist in the effects of the moderating variables on the influence of technology on the learning outcomes of museum learning. The scholars engaged in this research field come from various countries or regions and institutions. The research hotspots of and extended research on technically supported museum learning have changed continually in the past decade.Major TakeawaysThis study answers the question of “whether, how, and to what extent does the application of technology affect the learning effect of museums”. According to the research conclusions, certain suggestions are proposed in this paper from the perspectives of researchers and museum institutions for the effective application of museum technology.