Virtual Field Trips vs Real Field Trips
Educationexplore. "Virtual field trips." Online video clip. YouTube, 12 June 2012. Web. 29 September 2014.
The video "virtual field trips" goes over the reasons why you would use virtual field trips in an online course. The presenter, Leanne Kelly, provides on a whiteboard, six main ideas for taking a virtual trip. They are multiculturalism, accessibility, multiple learning styles, content specific, learner centeredness and career development. The focus of the video was to only give the viewer the advantages of the virtual field trip, while commenting on the limits of real trips.
While the video was made for online courses, the information could be very useful to all teachers. My area of interest is special education and this area is touched upon in the video. It give examples of how virtual field trips can help students with disabilities. This is because virtual field trips are more accessible, they teach to multiple learning styles and the students can go at their own pace through the trip. This video is not new, but the information is still relevant for today. It will give teachers a reason to try out a virtual field trip in their own classroom.
While the video was made for online courses, the information could be very useful to all teachers. My area of interest is special education and this area is touched upon in the video. It give examples of how virtual field trips can help students with disabilities. This is because virtual field trips are more accessible, they teach to multiple learning styles and the students can go at their own pace through the trip. This video is not new, but the information is still relevant for today. It will give teachers a reason to try out a virtual field trip in their own classroom.
Platoni, Kara. "How To: Make the Most of Virtual Field Trips." Edutopia . N.p., 29 October 2008. Web. 30 September 2014.
The article by, Kara Platoni, tells teachers how to successfully use virtual field trips in the classroom. Teachers need to be aware of what goals they are trying to obtain. In order to be useful to the students the videos need to be interactive and encourage critical thinking. Many teachers find that virtual field trips help prepare students, before they go on a real field trip. It will give the students a basic understanding of what they need to learn. The article has many references from authority figures in education. A developer of virtual software, states to keep the trip short. A virtual trip that lasts ten minutes will academically benefit the child. It also helps the teacher maintain their ability to meet the classroom standards. Virtual trips can also be used as an extension to be incorporated into other classroom activities. According to the researcher, Aaron Doering, students can learn from others around the world. Students may use blogging and online discussions to find out how others may view virtual trips differently because of their culture. A professor of technology gives some brief information on the limits of virtual trips. He states that students will not get exercise and an appreciation for nature, which is instilled through real field trips.
The author of this article does not give her thoughts on how to make the most of virtual trips. She relies on the expertise of researchers, technology professors and classroom teachers. It was hard to find comparisons between real and virtual trips. It is clear from both sources, how trips are used determines the success of the learning experience. A virtual trip can become just a video to watch and a real field trip can be a fun day away from school. I agree with both sources that with research and planning both trips can be educational and help a child extend their learning beyond the classroom walls.
The author of this article does not give her thoughts on how to make the most of virtual trips. She relies on the expertise of researchers, technology professors and classroom teachers. It was hard to find comparisons between real and virtual trips. It is clear from both sources, how trips are used determines the success of the learning experience. A virtual trip can become just a video to watch and a real field trip can be a fun day away from school. I agree with both sources that with research and planning both trips can be educational and help a child extend their learning beyond the classroom walls.
Hi Debra! Your blog turned out great! It is full of information about virtual field trips and how incorporating them in the classroom is a great way to engage students with technology. Nicely done!
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