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Virtual Field Trips

© Denise Oliveri

Virtual Field Trips (VFTs) are fun and interactive. They provide a way for you to explore things that are being taught to you in a more in-depth and hands-on way. Use the handy tips below to make your VFTs even more exciting. You will be able to gain more from them, if you know how to navigate.

Do

Select a trip which has a clear connection to what you are studying currently
Be responsible while you are online
Plan ahead for your trip:
-learn a lesson to prepare you before the online trip
-let your mom or dad preview the site and know the content before you go to the site
-let your mom or dad check all links up to three clicks away from the tour
-have a list of step-by-step tasks to accomplish while taking the VFT
-gather text and images to make a scrapbook during your VFT
Be sure your VFT is in your lesson plans
Place a time limit on the trip so you do not take in too much information
Follow through on a plan of assessment to see how much you learned during your VFT
Have at least one follow-up lesson after the trip

Don't

Wander online on your own
Go to a site without your mom or dad reviewing it in detail first
Complete a VFT and have little or no follow-up - you want to make sure you learn something from the VFT

Most of the time VFTs work best when used with material that you are currently learning to reinforce lesson plans in history, science, and other subjects. They make what you are learning more real, especially if you will never be able to go to a place far away.

Remember that using VFTs exposes you to the wonders of the World Wide Web. It is a good idea to have a parent provide as much supervision as they would on a traditional field trip, just like being your chaperone. They will make sure the sites you visit are safe and educational.

Enjoy your VFTs!

Below are my top picks to some great places to visit and things to do. They are listed by category. Just click on the link, and it will open an eBook to each subject. Within each subject, you will find more links to the actual site that hosts the VFT. Please let me know if you have any questions.