Journal #1: The Beginners Guide to Interactive Virtual Field Trips NETS-T#2,3,4,5

Zanetis, J. (2010). The Beginners 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

This article illistrates how teachers use virtual technology in the classroom. A virtual use of technology can permit students the opportunity to explore their world around them through a digital tool. After reading this article it was clear that the lack of funding has decrease the amount of field trips taken. This was unfortunate because these "traditional" field trips allowed students the opportunity to physically experience new places. So as a teacher we are responcible for ensuring that all learning styles are incorporated in lesson plans, so my concern was when can the kinistetic or "hands on" learners, experience this for themselves. Not only would taking a trip to a different local be exciting but also gives student a change to similate it and apply it to real life.

I feel that this journal shinned light onto the situation many schools are facing about the lack of funding for field trips. It is certain that money places limitations on these school outings, but thanks to new technology, we can still make this possible. Modern technology has allowed students the chance to still discover new ideas or places through "vrtual fieldtrips". This tool can be used to take advantage of budget concerns. Students and teachers alike still disire to learn and discover concepts learned from books. We should include these virtual trips in the curriculum, to still discover a variety of destinations. Though it would take the personal experience out of learning, it would still give them a chance to still interect in a virtual trip. Virtual field trips are a runner up to traditional trip in my opinion, but they dramatically cut down on the cost of having an entire class travel. A benifit of partaking in the virtual world would be the opportunity to ask questions and spend more time in an area of interest. This tool can show historic places that are not there anymore, giving students the chance to see illistrations of Ancient Greece or other historic places not here anymore. One interesting tool with using VFT and the chance to see a variety of museums, and watch educational videos. The site includes pictures and interactive lessons to participate in a similation of that location.

Q1: What are some of the advantages of Virtual Field Trips?
In addition to benifits listed above, these trips can bring information of that particular place to you directly. It is an impressive way to explore the world we live in, as well as past civilization. The ability to travel globally is part of a new age, and it is important to learn and try to experience all we can making us a well rounder student. Information learned in a book can be taken apart and reconstructed to produce your own file of locations on the web. Lastly this exploration is done in the classroom with teacher supervision creating a safe environment.

Q2: How do you conduct these trips in the classroom?
The equipment needed to go on these virtual field trips would be a computer connected to the interent. When there is a shortage of computers i would have students take turns working on different activities. This trip really needes to be traveled alone. This can allow you to stop and go at the students pace. Completing the tour will allow student to make the trip at a personal level. When the first group is done the next group takes their turn on the computer. Lastly the students who have completed the trip already, have a hand written assignment, giving everyone a chance to learn at theire own rate.