Objects of Interest

Why should teachers use virtual field trips? Virtual field trips are an inexpensive way to integrate hands-on technology into the curricula while maintaining student interest in the unit being studied. They offer a student-centered approach to instruction and diversify the teaching methods of content area instruction. Teachers can use virtual field trips not only to meet national technology standards but to combine content standards with technology standards fostering learning that results in interdisciplinary knowledge. Tuthill and Klemm noted the many advantages of taking a virtual field trip, both pre-made and teacher-created. 

 

1.  Increased learner-centeredness

The student can control the pace of the presentation and re-visit the site at a time which is convenient for them. Appropriate scheduling The trip can be taken at an appropriate time, after the prerequisite material has been studied. 

2.  Use of Multiple Modes of Learning

VFTs can be designed so that audio, video, and text can appeal to different learning styles. 

3.  Teaching Flexibility and Efficiency

Teachers can spend more class time covering concepts while students access the VFT on their own time. 

4.  Geographic Independence

Students can “visit” sites anywhere in the world without leaving home. 

5.  Temporal Independence

Students can access a virtual trip anytime it is convenient and they can visit over and over again. 

7.  Safety and Practicality

Actual field trip sites may be unsafe or inaccessible due to bad weather. VFTs offer a safe, practical way to visit sites. 

8.  Control of Content

Teacher-created VFTs can be created to fit curriculum needs and the reading level of students. Local sites can be featured to incorporate communitybased education and local history. 

9.  Improvements and Alterations are Easy

Revisions or updates to teachercreated sites are easy on the Web. 

10.  Reusability

Once a VFT is made, it can be upgraded and improved and reused from year to year.