Hi Group Members! (Travis, April, and Sheila)
After reading the "Beginner's Guide to Interactive Virtual Field Trips," I am convinced that virtual field trips (VFT's) are a valuable tool that all teachers should take advantage of. VTF's are "conducted virtually over the internet" and therefore, they allow students to "learn directly from experts in far-flung places without ever leaving their classrooms." Although, of course, it would be extremely beneficial for students to go on an actual field trip and get a real world experience, it is not always possible because many locations are inaccessible and "travel costs have steadily risen over the past several years." Therefore, VFT's make it possible to have a more accessible and less expensive way for students to experience what they are learning. VFT's have the ability to provide everything that a traditional field trip does and they can be delivered using technology in either asynchronous or interactive synchronous formats.
Asynchronous VFT's are websites that contain text, audio, or video resources about specific topics and they are not delivered in real time. On the other hand, interactive synchronous VFT's are "real time experiences in which students in one location learn from formal educators in another location." The videoconferencing equipment needed for this specific type of VFT has the ability to connect "students to talented educators from across the globe who are willing to share their organizations' resources in an engaging and personal way." Credentialed experts are normally onsite and present live interactive lessons that pertain to their specific organization. The videoconferencing equipment allows the experts and students to communicate with each other, thus simulating a real world experience. Experts can usually adjust "to the students' level of comprehension" and the students normally have no problem interacting with an on-screen instructor. According to the article, students usually "find the experience novel and engaging." The VFT lessons "often include materials targeted to the students' area and grade level as well as classroom activities for students to do before and after." VFT's are a very beneficial tool because not only are they convenient, but they also have the ability to provide educational lessons along with real world features.
Now that I am knowledgeable of virtual field trips and everything that they have to offer, I will definitely consider them an option when I begin teaching!
-Madison Pelzel
Madison,
ReplyDeleteI have heard of these virtual fieldtrips before and was interested in what you had to say and learn about what you read. I just recently learned that the school my daughters attend will no longer be taking "regular" fieldtrips because they are too costly. That saddens me because the fieldtrips that they have taken in the past have been informative and educational for the students. I believe that sometimes the best lessons occur outside the classroom in real world experiences. With these virtual fieldtrips this will allow students to still see beyond the four walls of their classrooms and get a feel for something other than what they are familiar with. Also with more people using skyp as a way of communication some students may already be familiar with this type of technology. I say lets find a virtual fieldtrip and jump on board.
See you Tuesday,
Sheila Lowe