Virtual Field Trips
The first virtual tour I looked at was The Secret Life of Coral in the Dominican Republic, presented by The Nature Conservancy. I watched a recording of this virtual tour on YouTube. They used slido.com to do live polling questions during the virtual tour. I know that virtual tours were very popular during the Covid shut down, but I wonder if organizations will continue to do live events like these. One of the best things about field trips is being able to ask questions and explore the subject matter of the field trip. Even though these types of virtual tours don’t allow students to explore on their own, at least the live events give students an opportunity to ask questions of the experts.
I wanted to find a virtual tour that would allow me to explore a new place more independently. I found the Hidden Worlds of National Parks, which is part of Google Arts and Culture. I prefered this type of virtual field trip because I was able to choose which National Park I wanted to explore. Participants have access to a 360 degree camera as well as audio that gives the participants more information about that part of the National Park.
While these virtual field trips allow students to explore the world around them easily, they shouldn’t take the place of real field trips (when it is safe enough to do so, of course). It seems as though there are less opportunities each year for students to go on field trips, even in school systems that are close to major landmarks, like Washington D. C. I think schools and educators should utilize both virtual field trips as well as real ones to expose students to as much of the world as possible.
QR Codes
As a librarian, I am interested in creating a scavenger hunt to introduce the students to the school librarian using QR codes. I have found a few examples of how other librarians created a scavenger hunt with QR code, so I plan on exploring that once I am working in a library. I also thought about using QR to give the students access to book trailers. The students could use an iPad or their smartphone to watch book trailers for features books they are interested in reading.
I created a QR code that links to a Google Form I created for a library check out form. The librarian at my school only works part time, so I made a quick form that teachers could use to keep track of books that are checked out while the librarian is unavailable.
I like the idea of polling questions during the virtual field trip. This would keep the students engaged and make sure they’re paying attention. I explored the Google virtual field trips and really liked the format of the independent exploring and extra information.
I agree, these virtual field trips should not be a replacement for field trips in schools but an extension- to explore places around the world that many students won’t have the opportunity to visit in their lives.
I agree on the in person field trips versus virtual. It’s just unfortunate that many schools have cut back on field trips even pre-COVID. Although virtual does have its benefits. Everyone can participate-even individuals that may not be able to afford an in person field trip. And they are a lot easier to coordinate!!
I loved the idea of a QR code scavenger hunt. Would love to see how that turns out!!
I agree, I don’t think virtual field trips no matter how advanced VR gets will ever be able to compete with the real thing. A scavenger hunt sounds like a great way for you to incorporate QR code technology.
I agree that virtual field trips should not take the place of traditional in-person field trips. I have such great memories of field trips I went on as a child. I think that’s the best thing about my current teaching position. I teach Community Based Instruction and we go out at least once a week for instruction and those trips are some of the best learning experiences we have!
The idea of a QR code scavenger hunt could be incorporated into Open House Night.
I struggle with the virtual field trips, but you make a good point that the live events at least the students can talk to the expert on hand.
Interesting that your librarian only works part-time. Is this due to funding? I notice the form just asks for the title of the book, what if there are multiple copies of the book, how do you know which title is out? Do you use barcodes? Just curious!
I never realized how many virtual field trips Google offered. I wish I would have researched this more and used these in my class last year. Our budgets are cut for field trips mainly due to bus scheduling, so these would be perfect to supplement. I love the google form you created for teachers. This will be a great help for them to keep track.
Smart idea for the checkout form! Even having a full-time librarian, we have staff walk away with books all the time!
I think your point about the difference between interactive virtual field trips and those that are not is well-taken. When COVID-19 first started shutting things down, my family participated in several live events with the Cincinnati Zoo. They allowed people to ask questions and would be able to point to different animal adaptations, behaviors, or learned activities based on those questions. It was significantly more engaging for my older son than a non-interactive Google trip. However, some of the Google expeditions fit really nicely for shorter explorations to support the curriculum. I too hope that our future will include a mix of these, choosing the right tool for the content being taught, whether that’s a live field trip, a synchronous virtual field trip, or asynchronous content!