Journal #7 NETS 1, 2, 3 and 5

Zanetis, J. (2010). The Beginner's guide to interactive virtual field trips. L&L—Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org


Virtual Field trips (VFTs) are a great addition to learning and experiencing on your own and bring an even greater element to the school curriculum. Another great aspect is the ability to visit far away places you wouldn’t normally go such as deep below the earth’s surface into the world of underwater life. Most likely not may field trips venture into the realm of scuba diving but with interactive virtual field trips students can experience life within the sea by way of cameras, internet experience and videoconferencing equipment. This is different than a video cam which is just hooked on to your computer. VFTs can take you anywhere and use h.323 videoconferencing technology.

Students now have the capability to also visit historical landmarks such as George Washington’s Mount Vermont Estate in Virginia. It is beautiful and so well designed that as you sit before the screen you can feel as if you are right there in Washington’s home. It gave a real sense of the era back then and the virtual tour of the restored original environment made you feel as if you were standing in the foyer doing a 360 degree turn slowly. I could almost picture soldiers marching outside and with the imaginations of students I think these tours would really stimulate excitement as they run through the pages of history and make it seem more realistic.

Virtual Field trips are different because the video is broadcast over the Internet and uses two technologies, either asynchronous or interactive synchronous formats. Asynchronous formats are websites with text, audio, and video material specifically covering a topic. They are great for covering educational material in a realistic way and expand to as many outlets as observations of over 300 museums, science centers and historical sites. Most of the sites have interactive capabilities where you can ask questions and receive answers from experts. This is a great way to inform students of any age or grade level and opend new worlds for many students with disabilities.
Question #1 Are there additional features in Virtual Field trips for the deaf, blind or English Language Learners? Answer: Yea, Virtual Field trips have add on equipment for the hearing impaired and offer brail pamphlets for some of the virtual tours. There are also translations available in many different languages available as an add on feature and can be ordered when purchasing the site tours.
Question #2 Has there ever been any violation of privacy rights when touring some virtual sites or attachments that load viruses onto ones computer? Answer: No, our Virtual Field trip sites are guaranteed safe and free of internet scavengers. We protect our sites from any pirating with the latest protection.