August 12, 2009 National Organizations Recognize Amon Carter Museum’s Distance Learning Program

Children sit on the floor in front of a woman who is leaning on a stool and gesturing to several computer monitors in front of her.

Fort Worth, TX, August 12, 2009—The Amon Carter Museum’s distance learning program recently received national recognition from the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC) and the Berrien Regional Education Services Agency (RESA).

The CILC offers access to educational videoconferences to school classrooms across the nation. The Carter is one of approximately 150 CILC videoconference providers and received an honorable mention in the CILC’s annual Pinnacle Awards, which recognize outstanding videoconference content. The awards, which honored 39 organizations, are based on teacher feedback.

The Carter also participates in the Berrien RESA’s national database of more than 200 museums and zoos that offer educational videoconferences. In the annual Teachers’ Choice Awards, the museum received an honorable mention for its distance learning content. Winners were selected from teacher evaluations, and 48 national organizations received awards.

“We are honored to be recognized by both organizations for our distance learning program,” says Stacy Fuller, head of education. “These awards validate our commitment to allowing everyone to connect to American art.”

The museum’s distance learning program brings works from the collection into classrooms across the country. The live, interactive broadcasts, which align with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and national standards, are led by Nancy Strickland, distance learning and docent program manager.

“Through videoconferencing, we provide the opportunity for students and educators across the country to see the Amon Carter Museum and engage in discussions with our staff—all from their classrooms,” says Strickland. “We explore art, history, culture, language arts, and science, and reach about 16,000 individuals each year.”