An Applied-Research on Virtual Exhibition Visitors' Perceptions of Learning, Accessibility, and Aesthetics
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64293/mentor.v2i4.60Keywords:
virtual exhibition, art education, digital exhibitions, mixed-methods researchs, Aesthetic experienceAbstract
Virtual exhibitions are gradually emerging as environments where art and cultural production transcend the physical boundaries of space through digital technologies, redefining the interaction with the audience. The aim of this study is to examine the educational role of virtual exhibitions within a multidimensional framework based on the experiences of university students. The research was designed using a parallel mixed-methods approach; quantitative data were collected from 280 participants using the Attitude Scale Towards the Educational Role of Virtual Exhibitions, while qualitative data were collected using the Semi-Structured Interview Form for Virtual Exhibition Tours. The data collection process was centered on a bespoke virtual exhibition experience, designed and implemented specifically for this study; participants filled out the measurement tools online after individually touring the exhibition. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and reliability analysis, while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings show that virtual exhibitions are generally perceived positively in terms of accessibility, contribution to learning, and pedagogical functions; however, more cautious evaluations emerge regarding aesthetic intensity, spatial depth, and experiential durability. Qualitative findings deepen quantitative trends, revealing that the virtual exhibition experience exhibits a contextual, design-oriented, and experience-sensitive structure. The results suggest that virtual exhibitions should be considered not as direct substitutes for physical exhibitions, but as complementary exhibition environments catering to different forms of learning and experience.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Orhun Türker, Abdurrahman Özdemir
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