Edutainment and Recreational Learning
Informal recreational learning or "edutainment" is a key principle of the heritage interpretation communication process.
Edutainment theory is one of the key areas of knowledge that heritage interpreters must have in order to be effective in their interpretive presentations.
Edutainment is about understanding how visitors learn and remember information in a recreational learning environment.
A recreational learning experience is one where the person has self-selected to attend or participate in a program for "fun" and the "learning" that occurs is viewed as fun too.
Anyone that has a hobby, such as coin collecting, model making, studying aspects of history, bird watching, etc. is involved with recreational learning.
We learn because we want to, and the process of learning and discovery gives us pleasure. We call this educational entertainment or edutainment!
Edutainment Thoery
The term edutainment was first coined by The Walt Disney Company in 1948, however it is much more than just a gimmicky phrase!
Edutainment theory is based on a solid blend of core communication theories and fundamental entertainment pedagogy that guides the development of all interpretive programming.
The major communication theories that influence edutainment include:
Social Learning Theory:People learn by observing others and the consequences of their behavior. If the person so chooses, they then emulate the behavior by rehearsing the action, taking action, comparing their experiences to the experiences of others, and then adopting the new behavior.
Persuasion Theory:Persuasion theory is the psychological characteristics that affect the response of a person to a specific message. Also indicates the message and source factors that influence a person's response such as the credibility, attractiveness, and expertise of the source.
Diffusion Theory:Diffusion theory is social behavior that spreads through a community or group over a period of time. Media such as TV, newspapers, radio, websites and, of course interpretive programs may plant an idea, but social networks reinforce it and cause it to grow.
Theory of Reasoned ActionTheory of reasoned action is the affect that social influences such as behavior, beliefs and perceived social norms have on a group of individual.
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What is the difference between interpretation and information?