"Don't forget to wear sneakers, bring a jacket, and a packed lunch bag for the field trip tomorrow!" Remember prepping for that big day--checklists of handouts of reminders, supplies (medical and class/group lists), and coordinating chaperones! It is a headache for such preparation to and from the school. What if there was an easier way to be a part of a field trip, yet not have to travel away from the classroom?
There is!
Museums, parks, and other education foundations have conformed with the modernization of social media and internet use as a great part of the classroom. Virtual field trips have allowed teachers to coordinate field trips with their grade-level curriculum without having to leave the classroom. The expenses are not as great as if you and your students, along with chaperones, were to travel by bus and pay for admission to (i.e.) Old Sturbridge Village! Many factors play roles in deciding wether virtual or actual field trips would benefit the class.
What is your take on virtual field trips? Have you been on any? If so, where have you and your students "gone"?
Thanks for sharing this! I have never heard of virtual field trips. It is interesting to think about what I read in the article about kids not being really into studying rocks. They ARE really into learning new things from what they see on the computer. Great way to reinforce concepts that would otherwise be done through a field trip.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, virtual field trips will save a lot of hassle, but I am old school - I say pack up and get on the bus :) As a kid, there was nothing like being able to leave the school building for the day. I loved it. I think virtual field trips are a good way to expose them to places and they can be used as a way to build anticipation and create prior knowledge, but there is nothing like being there in person.
ReplyDeleteI think that the virtual field trip is a great way to see foreign or far places. This really expands the number of places that students can experience. However, going on a "real" field trip is important for students as well. We need to find a balance of the two.
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