Education Technology – Group Inquiry

How Can We Use Technology to Take “Impossible” Field Trips?

Process – Our Timeline:

Feb. 14 Start the planning process – discover questions we have, and find the answers to them as well as guided questions on assignment rubric.

Mar. 6 Start putting together the information we found in regards to the questions in more detail. This is due to the overload of other assignments due during the month of Feb.

Mar. 10 Get together and create a visually appealing slideshow and begin inputting our information and resources gathered from previous dates.

Mar. 17 put together a script and consider planning for our inquiry presentation (ie. who is presenting what parts)

Relationship to Teaching – AnnaPros and Cons – BrandiTips and Strategies – HaleyResources – Steph

April. 4 Presentation day!!!!

Project by Haley Brandi Anna Steph

What is the relationship of Virtual Field Trips to teaching and learning?

Well, we love this idea. We’ve discovered that virtual field trips have the potential to greatly enhance teaching and learning by providing opportunities for students to explore and engage with real-world environments and experiences that may be difficult or impossible to access otherwise. Virtual field trips can provide students with hands-on and experiential learning opportunities that enable them to engage with subject matter in a more meaningful and memorable way and also increase student motivation and engagement by providing interactive and visually appealing learning experiences. Virtual field trips can provide students with access to a wider range of learning experiences and destinations, regardless of their geographic location or socioeconomic status while also helping students develop a better understanding and appreciation for different cultures and perspectives by providing opportunities to explore diverse environments and communities. These virtual field trips can be integrated into a variety of subject areas and curricula, allowing for greater flexibility and convenience in teaching and learning.

This sounds awesome! But what are the pros and cons?

Pros:

Virtual field trips allow students to visit places that might not be possible to visit in person due to distance, cost, or other factors.
Can be done from anywhere with an internet connection, and can be scheduled at any time.
Eliminates the need for physical travel, which can be safer for students and teachers, especially during times of pandemic or other health concerns.
Many virtual field trips offer interactive features that allow students to engage with the material and ask questions of guides or experts.

Cons:

Virtual field trips can provide a glimpse of a place or experience, but they often lack the full sensory immersion of a physical visit.
While virtual field trips can provide access to a wide range of places and experiences, there are some things that simply can’t be replicated virtually. For example, a virtual visit to a national park might not provide the same sense of scale or awe as a physical visit.
Technical glitches or internet connectivity issues can interrupt the learning experience.
Lack of the social interaction and bonding that can come from physical field trips.

However! Here are some strategies, best practices, and tips to consider when planning virtual field trips:

Before selecting a virtual field trip destination, consider the learning objectives and outcomes you want to achieve. Choose a destination that aligns with the topics you are covering in class.Before the virtual field trip, test the technology and ensure that it is working properly. Make sure that students have the necessary hardware, software, and internet connectivity to participate.Set guidelines and expectations for behavior during the virtual field trip. Remind students that they should treat the virtual field trip as if they were physically present at the location.Provide background information about the destination before the virtual field trip. This could include history, geography, or cultural information to help students understand the context of what they will be seeing.Make the virtual field trip more engaging by including interactive activities, such as quizzes or scavenger hunts. This will help students stay focused and retain the information they learn.Use multiple modes of communication, such as text, images, videos, and audio, to make the virtual field trip more engaging and accessible to all students.After the virtual field trip, follow up with reflection and discussion to reinforce the learning. Ask students to share their thoughts, observations, and questions about the destination.

Resources for YOU!

Google Arts & Culture: This website offers virtual tours of museums, historic sites, and landmarks from all around the world. You can explore places like the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, and the Palace of Versailles.
Google Arts and Culture

National Park Service: The National Park Service offers virtual tours of many of the parks in the United States. You can explore places like Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and Acadia National Park.
National Parks Virtual Field Trips

Discovery Education: Discovery Education offers virtual field trips to a variety of locations, including zoos, museums, and farms. They also offer resources and lesson plans for educators. Discovery Education Virtual Field Trips

San Diego Zoo: The San Diego Zoo offers live cams of many of their animals, allowing you to watch them in real time. They also offer virtual tours of the zoo and educational resources for students.
San Diego Zoo Virtual Field Trips

NASA: NASA offers virtual tours of many of their facilities, including the Kennedy Space Center and the Johnson Space Center. You can also explore the surface of Mars using their interactive 3D Mars rover.
NASA Virtual Field Trips