East Michigan News

The Museum of Cultural and Natural History has received a 2023-2024 Pinnacle Award from the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC) for its live virtual field trips. These programs have been recognized for their educational value, active learner involvement, and professional delivery.

The CILC, a leader in distance learning, honors field experts and educators from museums, zoos, aquariums, National Parks, Halls of Fame, and various science, historical, and cultural centers worldwide with this award. The Pinnacle Awards are based on evaluations from educators and activity coordinators who participate in these virtual field trips.

The CMU Museum offers virtual field trips to students across numerous disciplines at Central Michigan University (CMU). Available sessions include topics such as backyard birding, women in STEM, Rangoli art, recess in a one-room schoolhouse setting, the secret life of rocks and minerals, and the life of a college student.

Ron Bloomfield, interim director of the CMU Museum said: "Our distance learning programs via CILC allow us to reach audiences on both the national and international level. Our programming not only enables museum studies students to gain familiarity with technology and experience engaging audiences in a virtual setting but also helps to spread awareness of Central Michigan University."

First introduced in 2008, the Pinnacle Awards are announced at the start of each new academic year. This timing ensures that educators and directors are aware of high-quality live virtual field trips available to enhance learning experiences by opening classroom doors to the world.