Virtual CIG, Missoula, MT May 2021



VIRTUAL Certified Interpretive Guide Training Course

May 4-27, 2021
Instructors: Kristjana Eyjólfsson and Christine Morris
Registration Cost: $235 (Certification is an additional $150)

The National Association for Interpretation (NAI) is offering an online training course for individuals in the field of Interpretation. It is designed for individuals who deliver interpretive programs or have contact with the public at interpretive sites.  This course will be a combination of online instruction and virtual meetings with your instructor. Note, this course is designed to cover all the same material and requirements as the in-person Certified Interpretive Guide course and the certification awarded is the same as our face to face offerings. Prior to the start of the course, you will receive information from your instructor on how the course will work and the times you will be meeting.

Course Options

There are two options for this course. 

Option one: take the course without obtaining certification.  

Option two: take the course and add certification as a Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG). You will pay an additional fee for certification and you must complete an open book Core Literature Review exam. The CIG lasts four years and comes with a complimentary one-year membership. If you are already a member of NAI we will add your complimentary membership onto the end of your current membership.

The CIG Program

The nationally recognized Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) program is designed for anyone in the interpretive field. Whether you’re a new hire, a professional looking to refresh your skills, or beginning a second career, this course will aid you in improving your presentation techniques. The course combines the theoretical foundations of the profession with practical strategies in delivering quality interpretive programming to visitors.

This virtual course includes:

  • The history, definition, and principles of interpretation.
  • Techniques on how to make your programs purposeful, enjoyable, relevant, organized, and thematic.
  • How to use tangible objects to connect your audience to intangible ideas and universal concepts.
  • The 3 certification requirements needed to obtain a CIG (open book CORE Literature Review exam, program outline, and 10 minute interpretive presentation).

Texts Used in the Workshop

During this course, the books on interpretation listed below will be mentioned and some of their ideas explored. They are what the open book Core Literature Review exam covers and are useful texts for any interpreter to read. To access the books, you will need either physical copies of the books or e-books. For physical books, you will work with your instructor to either use their library sets (if you live in the same area as your instructor and books can be shared) or you can buy your own set for use during the class from NAI. Click here to go to the NAI Store, where you can order individual books or as a package and listed under “Core Review Library Package”. For online e-books, you will work with your instructor to determine which books you need and obtain access to the materials as some will have to be purchased, and others can be “checked out” through your local library and NAI.
Member Discount: Those choosing to apply for certification will receive a complimentary one-year membership to NAI. Memberships will become active within a couple of weeks of registration and will allow you to purchase course books and other registrations at the discounted member rate. Once memberships become active, you will receive a receipt via email letting you know that you are all setup. Current NAI members will receive a one-year extension on their current membership. If you are registering for $0, your membership will become active when you are certified.

The texts are:

  • Interpreting Our Heritage, by Freeman Tilden (4th Edition, U. of North Carolina Press, 2007)
  • The Gifts of Interpretation, by Larry Beck and Ted Cable (Sagamore Publishing, 2011)
  • Personal Interpretation: Connecting Your Audience to Heritage Resources, by Lisa Brochu and Tim Merriman (National Association for Interpretation, 2015)
  • Interpretation: Making a Difference on Purpose, by Sam H. Ham (Fulcrum, 2013)

Schedule

We will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Our time together will be synchronous on Zoom, through discussions in Google Classroom, and in virtual office hours for one-on-one help with your assignments. We will have a half-hour break for lunch and additional breaks throughout each class session.

Learning Platforms

Google Classroom – We will use this free platform for assignments, discussions, and links to supplemental materials. Zoom – Our in-person classes will be using the video meeting platform Zoom.

Instructors

Christine Morris is a naturalist and Community Programs Coordinator with the Montana Natural History Center. She teaches the Master Naturalist Course as well as a variety of pre-K through adult programs. Christine has 15 years of experience in environmental education and interpretation including positions as a park ranger in the Department of Interpretation at Rocky Mountain National Park and Environmental Education Director for Boys and Girls Clubs of King County, Seattle.

Kristjana Eyjólfsson is the Education Director for the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula. She leads pre-school through adult programs that touch on everything from old fashioned apple pressing to the internment of Japanese, Italians, and Germans at Fort Missoula. Kristjana has graduate degrees in Medieval Archaeology and Museum studies and 10 years of experience in environmental education and historic interpretation.

Further Information

Prior to the start of the course, you will receive information from your instructor on how the course will work and the times you will be meeting. For more information about the course, please contact Kristjana Eyjólfsson at keyjolfsson@missoulacounty.us or call (406) 274-3406.

Special Terms and Cancellations

Cancellations and transfers must be made in writing and emailed, postmarked, or faxed by April 19, 2021. A nonrefundable processing fee of $50 will be assessed. Emailed  cancellations and transfers should be sent to registration@interpnet.com. Cancellations and transfers cannot be made by phone.

No transfers or refunds will be given after April 19, 2021.
When
5/4/2021 - 5/27/2021
Where
Missoula, MT 59804 UNITED STATES
Online registration not available.

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