My article provided information about Virtual Field Trips (VFT). The main idea and concept for providing field trips virtually is to provide students the opportunity to explore distant destinations and to make their resources accessible. I think that this opportunity is an excellent way for students to gain additional knowledge, as well as making the experience more entertaining for out of reach destinations. However, will this give reasoning to never leave the classroom? Having the convenience to explore museums, historical locations, and other educational experiences all while never leaving the classroom might possess the possibility to continue exploring online rather than physically stepping onto sites. I hope that future learning will only use this resource when the destinations are out of reach. I agree that students gain so much more when they have their full concentration because of physically participating, if given the opportunity.
In addition, I find it fascinating how our technology capabilities have advance to allow video conferencing and exploration online through Interactive VFTs and Asynchronous VFTs. I think that this will open many doors in our future classrooms and curriculum. There are some concerns with costs and technological resources, but over time I think it can gradually be incorporated throughout schools worldwide. With that in mind, you can only imagine school to school conferencing around the world… oh the possibilities!
Citations:
Zanetis, J. (2010, March/April). The beginner's guide to interactive virtual field trips. Learning and 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=D
ISTE National Educational Technology Standards. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForStudents/2007Standards/NETS_for_Students_2007_Standards.pdf
Profile for Technology Literate Students, Grades 9-12 (Ages 14-18). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForStudents/2007Standards/NETS-S_2007_Student_Profiles.pdf
Hey Casey,
ReplyDeleteI think that the idea of virtual field trips is a great one. I see it as a great opportunity for classes that either cannot afford the trip, or to be able to explore a location that is too far out of the way for the class to be able to attend. However, I too would be a little worried about the over-use of such a resource. While a virtual field trip would be itneresting, I feel that it would not have the same impact as actually being able to attend the location. I would also be worried about the availability of this opportunity to some schools, which might have limited technology to be able to use this resource.
Hello Casey,
ReplyDeleteAlthough I was skeptical about digital books in the classroom, I do support technology, and especially when it comes to virtual field trips. I agree with you and Jason that virtual field trips should not be used in place of a real outing, yet I can see how a virtual field trip can add depth and meaning to virtually any lesson (no pun intended).
Using Thinkfinity, I found a link to the ultimate virtual field trip: outer space! Follow the link below and see all the places you can go, there are literally galaxies of possibilities!
http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/nasa/space-telescopes/space-telescopes.html
Any tool, technological or not, is only as effective as the person using it. This course is giving us all the tools to succeed as teachers - it is up to us to now get to know them and use the tools to the best of our abilities!