Virtual+Field+Trips

=**Virtual Field Trips**=


 * What is it?**
 * A Virtual field trip is a simulated, real-time field trip. Some virtual field trips are as simple as navigating through a bunch of different web sites. Some take you through still shots or allow you to pan 360 degrees around a historical site. The best situation (in my opinion, K. Casselman) would be one where video conferencing is utilized. In the case of interactive video conferencing, students interact, live, with a remotely located field trip host.


 * How can you use it?**
 * Teachers can use already created trips or they can spend some time creating one for their students.
 * In searching through the sites listed as references, there is not a subject or grade level that cannot use some type of virtual field trip.
 * Many of these are in the form of a WebQuest, but this is still under the umbrella of a Virtual Field Trip.


 * Why would you use it?**
 * Students get to experience something other than their day to day routine.
 * If students are absent on the day of the trip, they can always return a day later!
 * PRO: Costs very little when compared to packing grade levels of students on buses to travel to a remote location.
 * PRO: Will allow districts where traditional field trips are cost prohibitive to provide the same or similar educational experience to their students.
 * PRO: Less liability for the school with what could happen to children on a trip outside of school.
 * PRO: Allows for preview and review of a real life trip.
 * CON: Students don't get the change of scenery from the classroom.
 * CON: If you have technical difficulties on either end, you could have many disappointed students. This is true with all technology, but I think this more than others.
 * CON: Both your school and the field trip location need to possess the proper equipment. This must be researched ahead of time.
 * CON: Lack the ability to employ all of your senses.
 * Standards: 1 a-d, 2 a-d, 3 a-d, 4 a-d, 5 a-d, 6 a-d

References
 * Field Trips.org: Home of TourMaker Software
 * Virtual Field Trips: Teachers can create, add and edit their own trips.
 * // Paper on Advantages and Disadvantages of Virtual Field Trips //