Whaling+-+Virtual+Fieldtrips

One, a virtual field trip is totally dependent upon a student having access to the worldwide web for accessibility; two, difficulty in navigating through field trip information will dissuade student use. It is mind-boggling how the use of colors, sounds and movement can either hinder or accelerate the learning ability provided from a virtual field trip. It is possible that two virtual field trips with the same information but dissimilar presentation can make all the difference in the world in regard to whether or not the field trip is a successful teaching tool.

Because I am a visual learner and a digital immigrant, I find these field trips to be not only a learning experience but also entertaining as well. Our classroom discussion has noted that although disappointing to us as educators it seems that “entertainment” is a key ingredient in how we communicate information.

I would love to use the virtual fieldtrip of the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in preparation for a school fieldtrip. The virtual fieldtrip would enable the students to map out a route according to their likes and dislikes, or based on an assignment. This would enable the student to spend more time acquiring information versus wondering around trying to find their way.