2008 Education Award Laureate
Center for Puppetry Arts
| Laureate Country: United States |
| Project Countries: Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, United States |
| Website: http://www.puppet.org/edu/distance.shtml |
| Video: 2008videos/Center_for_Pupperty_Arts.mov |
The Center for Puppetry Arts employs interactive video conferencing technology to bring creative, hands-on learning experiences into the classroom.
Arts are a vital part of a complete education, and they are one of the most powerful tools for teaching difficult concepts to students with a variety of learning styles. But tight budgets, especially in inner-city and rural school districts, mean that many students rarely experience arts-based instruction.
The Center for Puppetry Arts uses two-way interactive video conferencing technology to connect students with real-time art workshops. They guide students through making and manipulating their own puppets, and use the puppets to explore a range of topics, from rainforest ecology to African culture. The hands-on programs have engaged 130,000 students, and are especially valuable to those with autism, learning disabilities, and language barriers.
