The CIS Lightboard Studio has recently enabled the CMU Museum of Cultural & Natural History to engage a much larger and more diverse audience throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the UK through its virtual distance learning and outreach programs. The museum has hosted nine interactive virtual sessions from the studio, including two large-scale trainings involving 145 and 150 remote participants, respectively.
The studio has also introduced CMU students in the Museum Studies program to state-of-the-art learning technology and allowed them to practice engagement strategies best suited for use with online programming.
When the museum initially set up its distance learning programs in 2021, it used a classroom space with a green fabric backdrop and a basic webcam. However, the quality of the video, lack of proper lighting, and constant need for software updates led to underwhelming results.
When asked about her experience in the studio, Rebecca Petrone, CMU Museum’s educator/technologist, shared,
“The realization of easy-to-use, on-campus studios for faculty to enhance online learning was a game changer for us! The Lightboard Studio has been a favorite for participants of our educational programs as it is a technology that many have not experienced before and helps create a more dynamic and engaging presentation.
The CIS team has been wonderful to work with from day one. The whole team is very approachable and knowledgeable about the technology and capabilities of the studios, which takes a lot of stress off the user.
For those interested in using the CIS studios, my advice is, don’t be afraid! The CIS team has done a great job making the studios user-friendly, and the team is always available to help troubleshoot or answer questions. Practice sessions are also available to allow users to become familiar and comfortable with the set-up and technology.”
To reserve the CIS Lightboard Studio for your next virtual meeting or recording session, visit http://cis.cmich.edu/lightboard.
