Virtual Fieldtrip

Teachers can gather Internet resources to create an interesting pre or post "visit" to an actual field trip destination or use the Virtual Fieldtrip (VFT) as an online experience that substitutes for a real field trip when conditions preclude an in-person excursion. A VFT could also be assigned as a student project or even used as a summative performance assessment.

Implementation

1. Identify topics and questions related to the standards on which students are focused.

2. Consider working with a teacher from another discipline to prepare an interdisciplinary fieldtrip.

3. Hands-on activities can and should be incorporated.

4. Be sure to allow adequate time to complete the VFT.

• Thorough planning is essential. Select each topic or subtopic and guiding or essential question to be answered.

5. Prepare Student Materials.

I. Depart

 

• Choose a catchy title to capture attention and create interest.
• What is the context for the VFT that students should read in order to understand the lesson’s purpose?
• What is the principal topic to be investigated; the big question to be answered?

 

II. Stops

 

• Topics and subtopics are like the numbers and letters in an outline.
• Organize the VFT sequentially as you would for a real fieldtrip.
• Scaffold questions and topics in such a way that they enhance the opportunity for student learning.
• What are the guiding questions you want students to answer at each Stop?
• Is there an activity that you want students to complete at any of the Stops?

 

III. Return Home

 

• Ask students to prepare a summary statement or answer a guiding question.
• If the VFT is used as a single lesson, this is a great place to include your formative assessment.

 

Classroom Management

1. Your primary task is to serve as a Guide to monitor student performance in what you deem to be the most appropriate manner.

2. To make the VFT seem more authentic, consider distributing your school's Fieldtrip Permission form for parents to sign, or download and distribute this field trip permission form.

3. After the VFT you might have students complete Kathleen Schrock's Evaluation worksheet.