Episode 3- Virtual Field Trips

Virtual Field Trips (VFT) Guidelines:

Planning is Key!

1. Select a trip which has a clear connection to what you are studying in class.
   
   

  2. Plan ahead for your trip:

• teach a preparatory lesson before the trip (if necessary)
  
• preview the site and know the content
  
• check all links up to three clicks away from the tour
  
• provide step by step tasks to accomplish
  
• consider a treasure hunt checklist for students to follow
  
• students could gather text and images to make a scrapbook
  
• design a webquest which requires students to complete an assignment
  
• state a measurable objective for your culminating activity

3.  Be sure to include the VFT in your lesson plans

4. Place a time limit on the trip

5. Be the tour guide - help students pace themselves

6. Consider using a projector and touring as a class (especially if you have limited technology)

7. Consider pairs or small groups if students work on their own

8. Follow through on a plan of assessment for completed student work

9. Have at least one follow-up lesson after the trip



Don’t

1. Allow students to wander 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
   

*Adapted from Walter McKenzie’s Innovative Teaching - Virtual Field Trips

Suggested sites for students to blog or share with-

1. Peardeck
2. Haiku Deck
3. Kidblog
4. Powtoon
5. Prezi

Virtual Field trips visited today.

1. 4-H Virtual Farm
2. www.airpano.com -Himalayas
3. www.360cities.net
4. www.mnh.si.edu -Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
5. http://www.theteachersguide.com/virtualtours.html
6. gated.jason.org -Science Virtual Tours- Must have Aldine credentials and overestimate the number of students you teach so that new students don't have to be recreated
7. Connected Classrooms Workshop on Google+

Other places to look for VFT- Pinterest, Google + communities, Facebook, Google Earth map, street and satelite.