Education Through Technology

The N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh introduces distance-learning programming that brings exhibits and educational programs to more patrons than ever. Staff members can use exhibit galleries as classrooms as they interact via two-way videoconferencing with people of all ages in off-site locations. In addition, via online streaming, patrons can experience the sights and sounds of large events, programs and classes, and teachers can benefit from more professional development opportunities.

This recent upgrade and integration of the museum’s educational technology were made possible with a $126,750 technology grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.

“These technology advances are major steps for history education in North Carolina,” says Elizabeth F. Buford, director, N.C. Museum of History and Division of State History Museums. “We now have the communication tools to provide greater access to the museum’s vast educational offerings to share our state’s rich heritage. We are pleased this expanded outreach can be part of Gov. Michael F. Easley’s recent proclamation of citing 2007 as a year of celebration of ‘History Happens Here’ in North Carolina.”

To learn more about the educational programs and resources available through technology, visit the museum’s Web site at ncmuseumofhistory.org. Several offerings are listed below.

• Virtual field trips are available. These live two-way videoconferencing classes highlight topics such as transportation, World War II and American Indians. Several of these classes are also available in a streaming video format. The virtual field trips and streamed programs are free of charge and are available with downloadable program materials. Contact Jerry Taylor, 919-807-7972, jerry.taylor@ncmail.net.
  
  
• Online teacher workshops provide professional development opportunities for educators. North Carolina teachers can earn continuing education credits (up to 40 contact hours), including technology and reading credit, after completing the six-week course. The fee is $35. Contact Tricia Blakistone, 919-807-7971, tricia.l.blakistone@ncmail.net.
  
  
• Many educational resources can be accessed via the museum’s Web site. Museum patrons will find an online version of the 2006-2007 Teacher Resource Guide and eight comprehensive time lines on North Carolina history. A searchable database of articles and information about North Carolina history is available at http://nchistoryresources.org.
  
  
• The Tar Heel Junior Historian Association, based at the museum, features a streamed video presentation for its statewide membership. "Tar Heel Talk About" explores a variety of topics about North Carolina. Contact Suzanne Mewborn, 919-807-7985, suzanne.mewborn@ncmail.net.
  
  
• By visiting the museum's Web site, patrons can search for artifacts in the museum collection or tour two online exhibits, North Carolina and the Civil War and Crafted From Silver: Objects in the Museum’s Collection.
  

For more information about the museum or these programs, call 919-807-7900. For further details about “History Happens Here” and the history, arts and culture of North Carolina, go to www.ncculture.com.

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