Journal 1: The Beginner’s Guide to Interactive Virtual Field Trips

Zanetis, J. (2010). The Beginner's guide to interactive virtual field trips. 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=.

This article, by Jan Zanetis, was an introduction into the idea of virtual field trips. We are constantly bombarded by information citing the decrease in funds to our school districts. Extra-curricular programs are always the first to go. One of these to be removed is field trips: although fun and often incredibly informative, they can be costly. However, the good news is these changes come at a time when we have a convenient alternative: virtual field trips. There are several online resources to choose from that provide access to virtual field trips that are relevant to a whole array of subjects. These days, students are familiar with several types of technological media, so it is often quite easy for students to adapt to this virtual setting. Although the video-conferencing equipment be costly, many providers can assist educational institutions in finding grant money or donors to make these virtual “outings” more accessible to students in all areas.

What is an advantage that VFTs have over traditional field trips?

Although traditional field trips are often a welcome break in the monotony of day-to-day classroom learning, they were usually relegated to visits to nearby locations. With virtual field trips, students in Alaska can visit NASA in Houston as easily as the National Baseball Hall of Fame. And VFTs still give students a peek into a world outside their own daily lives, just as traditional outings always have.

What is one drawback of VFTs?

Just as traditional field trips were expensive, so is the equipment necessary to access live interactive VFTs. However, it is pleasing to see that the companies supplying the equipment often give schools options for assistance in financing. And the equipment can be shared by the whole school (or whole district in more rural areas).