Digital Futures training programme

Image of the Digital Futures 'Interactive Stories' training session

Museum Development Officers run training programmes and provide one-to-one support for museums right across London

In 2018 - 2022, the Digital Futures Programme will excite the London museum sector with the possibilities of digital technologies and digital engagement. Through the training programme, London Museum Development will deliver at least 12 courses each year aimed at developing the digital skills of London's museums. These courses have been designed and tailored for London's museums, based on the feedback from our Training Needs Analysis of the London non-national museum sector (PDF 690kb, opens in new tab). The programme has also been influenced by the findings of the Mendoza Review, Culture is Digital and Digital Culture 2017 reports.

The Digital Futures training programme will take a modular approach, with sessions focused on social media and marketing, digital content creation and digital 'back of house'. Each module will start with a briefing session which will focus on the different skills and literacies needed for museums within each module. You can download a calendar for 2019 - 2020 to see when we will be delivering each module and the types of courses on offer (PDF 354kb, opens in new tab). You can apply for a place on these courses below, or directly through our booking form.

Digital Futures training sessions

Understanding online audiences
Friday 07 February, 12 - 4pm
Museum of London, London Wall

This session will provide an introduction to using digital analytics and user testing within the setting of a museum or gallery. Participants will learn how to collect data and insights using tried and trusted methods, and free and low cost tools. Participants will be able to use this improved understanding of their online audiences to improve communications, website user experience, and more. We will cover: Google Analytics - how marketers, website managers, and content producers can find the most insightful information. User testing and surveys - getting feedback from people in person and online. Download a full course outline (PDF 161kb, opens in new tab). Please use our online form to book a place.

Digital storytelling with a collections focus
Friday 14 February, 10am - 4.30pm
Museum of London, Docklands

Is your museum making the most of its digitised collections content online? Finding the right channel, tone, voice and techniques to reach and connect with audiences online isn’t easy. The workshop is rooted in practicalities but brings in strategic considerations too. We’ll look at mission, identity and purpose; explore the specific tensions and challenges that digital storytelling with collections content brings and also focus on the many advantages that museums and collections have in this space. We’ll share a wide range of examples from museums, galleries and beyond, looking at social media, websites and other platforms. We’ll give you plenty of food for thought, practical tips and ideas to take away and try. Our workshops are friendly and informal, encouraging active learning and plenty of discussion. Download a full course outline (PDF 418kb, opens in new tab). Please use our online form to book your place.

Photographing Museum Collections
Tuesday 18 February, 10am - 3.30pm
Museum of London, London Wall

This course will offer an introduction on how to take good quality images of museum objects. We will look at the types of image files extensions (raw, tiff and jpeg) available, and the differences between a low-resolution image and a high-resolution one, and when to use them. Attendees will be invited to take part in a hands-on workshop, learning how to make the most of their own photographic equipment, as well as using an entry-level professional kit. We will also cover the basics of photographing in Manual Mode. Download a full course outline (PDF 180kb, opens in new tab). Please use our online form to book your place.