Ms Cantrell's Learning Garden: Virtual Fieldtrips

Who has ever heard of the idea of taking a field trip from your computer or device in the classroom? Now that I have, I am amazed at the possibilities that can come with introducing this to your class. Virtual field trips are experiences using technology that allow us to see new places, people, and things that may be difficult to see from the classroom. Types of virtual field trips include presentation images, guided video tours, pre-developed or personalized trips, and interactive or 3D trips. Virtual field trips can also be performed physically using the Google goggles that you can buy.

There are so many great advantages to using virtual field trips in the classroom! They allow students to see outside the classroom without actually going. They also are a great accommodation for students with special needs or limited access to monetary funds. If your class isn't able to go on a physical field trip, why not take them on a virtual one?

You can integrate using virtual field trips across disciplines. For example, if you are teaching a lesson on regions of the world, you could actually immerse the students into each region through virtual field trip technology! Students are able to visualize lessons that are being taught and are engaged all the while!

A good example of virtual field trip technology is Google Expedition. Google Expedition allows teachers to provide guided instruction throughout the field trip process, and comes with sample lesson plans!

What have I learned? How will this benefit me as a teacher?

I have learned that sometimes physically going places with your class isn't possible. This could be for many reasons. Whatever the reason, there is no need to deprive your students of an experience! Using virtual field trips is a great engagement tool for the class, as well as a fun learning experience. I love the idea of skyping experts on topics you are teaching around the world to let them talk and have a discussion with your class. I would have loved that as a kid! This will benefit my future classroom in case a problem with a field trip comes up, and in general, because I anticipate to use this technology often.

The following pictures showcase virtual field trips in action. The first picture is of students using google goggles to participate in a virtual field trip. These goggles allow them to see images, videos, and real time streaming of places around the world. The second picture is of a class having a video chat with another person from a different place in the world!