Journal 7: Beginners Guide to Interactive Virtual Fieldtrips (NETS I, III, & V)

Zanetis, J. (2010). The Beginner's guide to interactive virtual field trips. L&L—Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=March_April_No_6_1&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4516&ContentID=25443&DirectListComboInd



In this article we look at field trips in the virtual world. We see today that field trips are not being taken. Virtual fieldtrips are another option to learn in the class with out leaving. The kids can tour historic sites, witness scientific experiments, processes at museums or organizations, watch live demonstrations in the field, folk festivals, and mush more. There are different types of virtual field trips. One is Asynchronous VFTS which are websites that include text, audio, or video resources about specific topics. You can stream video tours of particular locations. There are different programs for VFT. E-Field Trips, Access Excellence Resource Center, and Gail Lovely’s site. The sites all deal with different VFT different experiences. Interactive VFT’s are synchronous, real-time experiences in which students in one location learn from informal educators in another location. With all these different virtual field trips student interact with experts and get real world angles on topics they are studying.


How can this be good for home-schooled students?
I think it would help them and they would interact with others. We always hear how home-schooled kids don’t get social interaction; this can help them to interact with the outside world.


How do we start this at our school?
You can apply for grants to have programs. Teacher can also give feedback on what to do and help you out. Some programs have fees and others are free. The schools can write it in the budget if they feel it is something they are engaging in learning.