Journal #5- NETS I, III, & V

Zanetis, Jan. (2010, March/April). The Beginner’s Guide to Interactive Virtual Field Trips. L&L, 37(5). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=March_April_No6_1&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm?&NavMenuID=4516&ContentID=25443DirectListComboInd=D




In the article, “The Beginner’s Guide to Interactive Virtual Field Trips” written by: Jan Zanetis, Zanetis discusses the alternative to actually bringing your classroom to the specific location you plan on attending for field trips. With the increase in technology over the years, field trips have become inaccessible to students, and rather teachers are now using: Asynchronous VFT’s. Asynchronous VFT’s are websites, which include text, audio, or video resources about specific topics. Therefore, instead of going to the desired place, students are taking virtual tours of it online, and being able to interact with other students, and other teachers, by being able to interact with them over the internet. This software has been proven to engage students. According to Zanetis, “VFT’s have many benefits for students of all ages. To be able to view, hear, and interact with people who are far away is powerful”. A woman named Janet Adams, has stated that since schools have begun to use VFT’s, she has seen a lot of changes in teaching and learning; “Virtual field trips have empowered teachers, librarians, administrators, and IT staff to create significant opportunities for their school to focus on a world beyond the chain link fence.” Therefore, Virtual Field Trips have become the new hottest thing for many teachers and students at various schools.



Question #1: What is one pro and one con of using VFT’s in a classroom?

From past experience, field trips were something I looked forward to. It was a day away from the school environment, and a social academic opportunity. As a future educator, I really feel by physically going on a field trip should still be present in classrooms; Children sit at their desks all day. Going on a field trip, allows them to become more engaged, interact with other teachers and students, and could even be considered some type of physical activity. In contrast, a pro of using VFT’s in the classroom, is teaching our children the many uses of technology. Also, students tend to get rowdy on field trips if not disciplined right. Therefore, by not leaving the classroom, students are more likely to be able to focus on the task it is that they are doing.

Question #2: As a future educator, how can I implement VFT’s into my classroom, without fully taking away field trips from my students?

As I stated previously, I feel field trips are very important for students. Therefore, I do not want to take them away from my students completely. I could balance both; For example, one field trip I could make a normal field trip, and then the next we can use VFT’s. It will also benefit my classroom, because by using various tools, I am introducing my students to new things all the time, causing them to become even more engaged.