Hi Class,
I was really excited to learn about
virtual field trips in the article, The Beginner's Guide to Interactive Virtual Field Trips, by Jan Zanetis. I really had
no idea they existed and think back to my own school experience as a child and
wish that this resource had been available to me! Virtual field trips provide
an opportunity for kids in all different communities to virtually travel to a
place they otherwise could not.
Not only can students learn from onsite experts at institutions all
around the country, but they can also interact with them. This is really an incredible movement
in the use of technology for education.
This tool is better than just putting on a video to teach kids about a
subject because it is actually a real time, interactive experience. They can ask questions and view the
space as if they were actually there.
It gives students the opportunity to explore outside of the classroom while
remaining at the school. This is a
great resource for schools that have a hard time providing real field trip
opportunities to the students.
I enjoyed visiting some of the virtual field
trip sites mentioned in the article.
Here is a page I found on the Natural History Museum’s site. It has all kinds of different links and
areas to explore.
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| You can find this site at: Natural History Museum |
What I also find great is how easy
it is! Although the equipment (which allows the use of a large screen that can be used for watching and interacting with the experts) may
be an initial investment and many of the virtual field trips have a fee, there
are ways to raise the funds. The
article mentions that virtual field trip funding can be included in a
school’s budget. I also think
that it can be something that schools can work to raise the money for themselves, if need be. Jog-a-thons, bake sales, etc. are good
ways for schools to raise money for important resources. I think that implementing the tools
needed for virtual field trips into schools is going to be very important in
the coming years, and schools will definitely begin to catch on. I can’t wait to use them one day in my
own classroom!
Thanks for reading!
Kimberly Taron
Hi Kimberly,
ReplyDeleteIn your reflection of the article, The Beginner's Guide to Interactive Virtual Field Trips, by Jan Zanetis, you brought some information to light that I did not even know existed. Realizing that students from underserved communities can take a virtual fieldtrip to a place they otherwise could not visit is incredible. School budgets are scarce that the idea of virtual tours is one that seems affordable. The interaction between student and virtual tour is amazing and when you stated that students could ask questions as if they are there make the experience that much worth the expense. You brought up a good point about raising money for the cost of the virtual tour and it seems attainable. When a student can stay at school, visit a zoo or a museum, and not have to go anywhere that is technology at its best.
Thanks for your reflection,
Conni~