Journal 7 - The Beginner's Guide to Interactive Virtual Field Trips - NETS 5

Zanetis, Jane. (2010). The Beginner's guide to interactive virtual field trips. Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=March_April_No_6_1&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4516&ContentID=25443&DirectListComboInd=D

This article was about virtual field trips (VFTs).  Virtual field trips or videoconferencing allow students to engage with experts near or far without the transportation costs of leaving the classroom.  These virtual field trips could involve a tour, witnessing experiments or demonstrations, or attending events.  There are Asynchronous VFTs are not real-time; they involve viewing websites which may have video tours, podcasts, etc.  Some reference websites for VFTs include: www.efieldtrips.org, www.accessexcellence.org/RC/virtual.php (mainly science and health related), www.gaillovely.com/VirtualFieldTrips.htm.  Interactive VFTs are real-time, and involve videoconferencing with special equipment.  30% of schools do have this equipment.  According to the article, the author knows of 300 different organizations that offer Interactive VFTs in which credentialed persons present on a curricular topic related to the organization.  Students can interact with the presenters using the online interface, and after the initial adaptation to the technology, the "walls disappear."  The article goes on to explain ways one might acquire videoconferencing equipment if it is unavailable at his/her school, and recommends this site for finding quality content.  Some VFTs have a fee, but many are free.  The article also lists the 2008-09 Award-winning VFT content providers.

1.  What are the drawbacks to VFTs?  In our media/virtual saturated society, I feel like a real field trip would be more engaging in certain circumstances.  For example, actually going to the zoo would be very different from a VFT.  I don't see how asynchronous VFTs are different from watching a DVD.

2.  What about the cost?  Yes, we've eliminated the cost of transportation, but in some cases there is a fee for the VFT.  Therefore, is it really worth it?  Maybe I am just one for real-life experiences.