Virtual+Field+Trips

Virtual Field Trips began in 1995, but have continuously growth in popularity throughout the 2000s. A Virtual Field Trip is, "a way to organize the educational potential of the internet in a coherent, appropriate fashion, particularly for primary and secondary edcuation. A VFT can contain a selection of topic-specific web pages that are strung together into a grade-targeted, organized package." []
 * Virtual Field Trip:**


 * Some examples of virtual field trips:**
 * Hancock Wildlife Foundation: http://www.zaplive.tv.web/hwf-owl2/home
 * Cockroaches: http://cricket.biol.sc.edu/usc-roach-cam.html
 * Brazilian Atlantic Forest: []-forest
 * Polar Bears: http:www.sandiegozoo.org/polarcam/index.html
 * Lighthouse in Nova Scotia: http://www.novascotiawebcams.com/south-shore/peggs-cove.html#axzzot75IfgdL
 * Ground Zero: http://www.earthcam.com/usa/newyork/groundzero/
 * Niagara Falls: http://www.earthcam.com/canada/niagarafalls/


 * Pros:**
 * Free
 * Done from the classroom
 * Interactive
 * Many excellent Animal/Destination Sites


 * Cons:**
 * Unpredictable
 * Time Delay
 * Availability
 * Need for technology


 * Conclusion:**
 * In my opinion, VFT will never replace traditional field trips and direct student interaction
 * It is important to expose our students to new situations and places as much as possible
 * Excellent idea to introduce new topics
 * Great visual examples
 * Always prepare and pre-screen websites!



Virtual Field Trip examples