In the framework of the European project HUP Hackathon, implemented by EduQuest in Naoussa, students aged 11 to 13 participated in interviews aimed at recording their views on museums and their relationship with cultural heritage.
The students spoke about how they perceive museums today, highlighting the need for more accessible, lively, and participatory experiences. As emerged from the interviews, children often consider that museums are primarily aimed at adults and specialists, while they struggle with academic language and theoretical analyses.
At the same time, the students showed particular familiarity with technology and Artificial Intelligence, emphasizing the need for museums to utilize modern tools that can make history more understandable and attractive. They also placed particular importance on the role of the guide, expressing their desire for people who are approachable, friendly, and capable of communicating in a way that is understandable for their age.
The students’ responses also revealed a strong emotional connection to cultural heritage: pride for ancient Greek history, anger for stolen monuments, and interest in the mystery of lost antiquities. The children requested that history be connected more with their modern daily lives.
The goal of the interviews is for the teenagers’ opinions to be utilized in the design of activities that respond to their needs and interests. Simultaneously, through the project, a practical manual will be created for museum professionals, aiming at the implementation of Hackathon-type actions, i.e., “creation marathons,” which will make museums more interesting and attractive for children.
The European project HUP Hackathon aims to bridge the gap between young people and cultural heritage, through the collaboration of teenagers and experts, creativity, teamwork, and the use of modern technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence.
Learn more here.