Virtual Field TripsMaking Your Own

or Re-inventing the Old

www.fhslibrarymedia.wikispaces.com

June ChandlerFairview High School

Cullman Countyjchandler@ccboe.org

june.chandler@wallacestate.edu

What is a virtual field trip (VFT)?

• Wikipedia states that a virtual field trip is a guided exploration through the Web that organizes a collection of pre-screened, thematically based web pages into a structured online learning experience. (Foley, 2003)• Guided exploration of any online learning

experience

What are virtual field trips?

• Virtual field trips (VFTs) started appearing around 1995 (LEARNZ), but greatly grew in popularity starting around 2000.

LEARNZ is a virtual field trip programme for New Zealand Schools.

• The VFT was seen as a way to organize the educational potential of the internet in a coherent, appropriate fashion, particularly for primary and secondary education.

What are virtual field trips?

• A VFT can contain a selection of topic-specific web pages that are strung together into a grade-targeted, organized package. Often these types of VFTs are provided by commercial distributors.

Why use Virtual Field trips?

• Support the curriculum• They are virtual • Modify them for your needs • Promote your Library

Program• Students enjoy them and

they are informative• Funding issues

Virtual Field Trips?

• How could a virtual field trip enhance the learning experience, expand the thinking process, or meet the needs of different learning styles?

Underwater Life

Outer Space

Virtual Field Trips?

• What elements of its design make it a successful classroom adventure?

Virtual Field Trips?

• User directed but teacher guided• Extend, expand and enhance• Self-paced or teacher guided (whole group)• Plus, many other

VFT — Resources• CA Home schooling:

http://ldshomeschoolinginca.org/vft.html

• Internet4Classrooms: http://www.internet4classrooms.com/vft.htm

• Home Schooling:http://home-educate.com/fieldtrip.shtml

• Scholastic: http://teacher.scholastic.com/fieldtrp/

• Tramline: http://www.field-guides.com/index.htm

Bibliography• ALSDE E-Learning Program—

Designing Virtual Field Trips• Foley, K. (2003). The Big Pocket

Guide to Using & Creating Virtual Field Trips (3rd ed.)

• Templates Wise.Com