Virtual Field Trips

Virtual Field Trips are a wonderful asset to have in the classroom. Students and teachers are able to travel the world from the inside of the classroom walls. Students are completely engaged when involved in virtual field trips. Going on virtual field trips allows for students to visit places that they may not be able to otherwise. There are many virtual field trips that can be found on Google with lessons that are attached to them. A variety of virtual field trips have standards that are aligned to them, which is a bonus for teachers. Most of them can be found online for free. A benefit of going on a virtual field trip is that students can complete them at their own pace. They are a safe alternative to going on an actual field trip. Students can experience many different cultures when involved with virtual field trips, which allows them to see the world in a different light. They do not replace a real life field trip, because the students would not be able to use their senses to fully experience the place. However, they have been proven to improve student learning and understanding. Many students tend to talk and worry about what their friends are doing when they are on an actual field trip, so going on a virtual one allows for them to really see the content side of things. Virtual field trips can also be used for social/emotional development, because students can see things from a different perspective. Students can visit places that historic people lived in/what they experienced which will help them to see things from that persons point of view. ClassFlow is a website that can be used to create a virtual field trip for students to experience. Skype is another great way for students to go on a virtual field trip. Students can talk to someone through Skype and see what they see from anywhere around the world. Google Sites has over 100 virtual field trips that can be used in the classroom, including national parks that students can visit. I will definitely use virtual field trips in my classroom one day to enhance student learning.