Hello group, the article I read is called "The Beginners Guide to Interactive Virtual Field Trips" By Jan Zenetis and it is about the different types of field trips available to teachers/students. Now days, it is not even necessary to leave the classroom in order to experience the joys of a field trip! Schools can save money and time with the new options we have. There are two different virtual options for these trips, one is called "Asynchronous" and the other is "Interactive".
Asynchronous virtual field trips are those that are not delivered in real time, and they are websites that contain different audio/video resources for students and only require an internet connection in order to use. The one downside is there is no interaction between students and the field trip, and that is where Interactive field trips come in handy. Interactive field trips are those where students are watching a real time video, and it is almost as if they are on a real field trip but still in the classroom. There is more possibility for the students to ask questions and receive answers. Although both field trips save the cost of transportation, bus rides, etc, it seems that the "Interactive" field trips are a better option because it might keep students more involved.
I am so impressed with the different things we can do on the computer these days! Although I remember field trips as a fun part of school, these days schools are trying to cut costs in any way possible and this is a great place to start. I don't think we should completely eliminate out of class trips, just cut back on them and add more in the classroom. Hopefully one day both virtual and real field trips will be incorporated in every school.
Hi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI really liked that you pointed out the cost-effectiveness of virtual field trips. I feel like so many technological advances have the "cost effective" thing going for them. I understand that schools are struggling financially, I just wish that so many things did not have to change just for the sake of saving money. Can we really argue that staring at a screen during a asynchronous field trip is the same as a real field trip? I doubt it. The fact that we both distinguished one as a "real" field trip says enough. I worry that kids' quality of schooling will decrease without non-virtual field trips.
I agree with you that the Interactive field trips are more agreeable than the asynchronous field trips, but I wish that schools didn't feel the need to cut things. Your statement that "Hopefully one day both virtual and real field trips will be incorporated in every school" really rang true with me. I hope that schools still will encourage non-virtual field trips.
Thank you,
Lily
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ReplyDeleteHi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteThis article poses an interesting concept, but I'm not completely on board with the idea of Virtual Field Trips. I agree that it is definitely a way of providing a cost effective experience, but there is no substitute for the real thing. However, I do think the Virtual Field trip is an effective way to introduce and allow students to experience parts of the world they may never be able to. Students today are so engrossed in so many virtual activities for school and entertainment I feel Virtual Field Trips should take a back seat to the real thing. Real time or Asynchronous, the student is missing out on the smells, sounds, and touch that only the real environment can provide.
Thanks,
January