Establishing Identification in Virtual Science Museums: Creating Connections and Community

Abstract

The concept of identification from the field of communication studies is used in this chapter to discuss the ways to, and the benefits of, develop(ing) identification with an audience through the design and arrangement of virtual science sites (i.e., aid in the comprehension of the new, and potentially difficult, content of the site; and help in the creation of regularly returning site visitors/users). The chapter concludes with checklists to aid Web site designers/managers and educators analyzing/using virtual science sites to maximize the benefits of identification.