Virtual Field Trip
Definition:
A virtual fieldtrip is an Internet-based trip that students take individually, in small groups or as a whole class.
Curricular Goal(s)
•To help students synthesize what they have learned on a class fieldtrip.
•To prepare students for an upcoming fieldtrips
•To students with information about areas they are unable to visit as a class
•To provide students with information about areas their teacher visited. (Beal and Mason, 1999)
Uses:
* Virtual fieldtrips can be used for a variety of purposes; which will be dependent on the curricular goal (see above). Students may visit museums, exhibits, cities, countries or other areas of interest.
Do:
1. Select a trip which has a clear connection to what you are studying in class
2. Collect signed parental permission slips to take your class online (know your school’s Acceptable Use Policy)
3. Be responsible as the chaperone while your class is online
4. Plan ahead for your trip
5. Place a time limit on the trip
6. Be the tour-guide, help students pace themselves
7. Consider using a projector and touring as a class
8. Consider pairs or small groups if students work on their own
9. View all monitor screens in use from one vantage point
10. Use the History folder to see where a browser has been
11. Extend the experience to word processing, desk-top publishing, and multimedia presentations
12. Follow through on a plan of assessment for completed student work
13. Have at least one follow-up lesson after the trip
Don’t:
1. Allow students to wander online on their own
2. Present the site without knowing it in detail
3. Go on a trip without classroom preparation ahead of time
4. Use VFT's as an unstructured use of free time
5. Complete a VFT and have little or no follow-up - help kids make those connections to their learning!