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Distance Learning Programs

No matter how far you are from Boston, now you can bring the MFA into your school!

Starting January 1, 2014, any school can schedule a museum educator to virtually visit your classroom for an interactive, student-centered program. Choose one of four different programs that will introduce your students to the rich collections of the Museum using high-quality digital reproductions. Programs last for 45 minutes, and make direct connections with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.

For reservations, simply complete our online request form at least six weeks prior to your preferred dates. 

Program Topics

Choose one of four programs:

MFA’s Greatest Hits

The MFA’s Greatest Hits outreach program is ideal for learners new to the MFA’s collection, or classes interested in a cross-cultural approach to art. Explore a variety of objects spanning the Museum’s five major collection areas, in different mediums throughout the ages. Students will look closely and discuss works of art from two of the five collection areas in a fun and engaging way. (Recommended for grades 2-12)

(Link to Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks: Various)

Highlights of the Art of the Americas

The Art of the Americas outreach program explores three centuries of American art, from the earliest Colonial portraits to the history paintings of the early 19th century, and how that art reflected how Americans perceived themselves. They will see examples of paintings, including the Museum’s unparalleled collection of works by John Singleton Copley, and decorative arts from that time period that reflect those changes. (Recommended for grades 2-5)

(Link to Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks: HSS 3.1-3.7, 3.12; 5.1–5.2, 5.4, 5.6–5.11, 5.17–5.18)

Highlights of Art of the Ancient World

The Art of the Ancient World outreach program offers an overview of the Ancient World collection at the MFA, including works from Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Students will look closely at artifacts from various ancient cultures, including sculpture, metals, and ceramics. (Recommended for grades 6-8)

(Links to Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks HSS 7.7 – 7.43, Foreign Language Cultures Strand)

Highlights of the Art of Europe

The Highlights of the Art of Europe outreach program will include 17th, 18th and 19th century art that illustrates the emergence of modern Europe. Students will look at and talk about key paintings from that time period – including the MFA’s unparalleled Impressionist collection. (Recommended for grades 9-12)

(Link to Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks: HSS World History I, World History II, Foreign Languages Cultures Strand)

Technology Specifications

Schools will be connected to the museum via Safari Montage Live. Please consult a technology specialist at your school prior to the technical run-through to ensure you have the necessary technology resources.

The following hardware is required to be able to facilitate a discussion utilizing the technology:

  1. Computer and Internet Connection
  2. Digital Projector (or other means of projecting web conference to students)
  3. Web Camera
  4. Speakers
  5. Microphone: A group speakerphone is recommended, but computer-based microphones will also work.

Technical run-through

In order to ensure that your outreach program goes smoothly, the MFA requires that you complete a technical run-through about a week prior to your scheduled program. This run-through will be scheduled after your program date has been confirmed.

Fees

Programs cost $100 for each 45-minute program. These programs are intended as programs for individual classrooms, not as auditorium programs, so groups should be no more than 25-30 students.

Payment must be received 24 hours before the program. Payment may be made in the form of a check or by credit card.