Topic: Teachers College
May 30, 2007
<b>Several Ball State representatives attended the Mira awards gala. They included (from left) Kelly Haun, Brandon Smith, Jeff Mohl , Thomas Kinghorn, Jacque Bradburn and Mark Kornmann.</b>
Ball State's
Electronic Field Trip (EFT) program was recognized with a 2007 TechPoint Mira Award in the category of "Education Contribution to Technology- Department/Program/Team" at TechPoint's eighth annual Mira Awards gala May 18.
The EFT program beat out two other finalists, Purdue University and Rose-Hulman Ventures, in being recognized for its innovative use of technology to further learning and educational achievement. Five other Ball State programs and projects were also nominees in the same category.
"To be recognized as one of Indiana's technology leaders is a huge accomplishment for the EFT program," said Mark Kornmann, director of Teachers College Outreach Services, sponsors of the EFT initiative. "Our use of interactive technology gives millions of students a unique learning opportunity without them ever leaving their classroom and is a tremendous educational tool that enables the university to continue to redefine education."
TechPoint was founded in 2002 to transform Indiana into a recognized technology leader by developing relevant policy, catalyzing change and measuring the state's progress.
EFT's virtual field trips allow millions of schoolchildren nationwide — along with teachers and community members — to visit museums and national parks and pose questions to scientists, artists and other experts. The program, created by Teachers College and supported by Best Buy Children's Foundation, also has received eight Telly Awards for its programming in the past two years.
By Anthony Romano, Video Specialist and Media Relations Manager