Virtual Field Trips

With the economy in its not so good situation and the increase demand on standard based learning, our classes are left with little time and money to go on field trips. One low cost or no cost way to allow our students to experience the outside world without leaving the classroom is virtual field trips via web cams and video conferencing. Don't get me wrong this isn't a substitute for field trips where students get a hands on experience, but in these tough times it is a valuable option.
Imagine your students sitting in their seats while they get to connect to a live person at a remote location through video conferencing. Students would be able to watch the person present and they would also be given the opportunity to ask questions. Its pretty cool and costs only a fraction of the cost of field trips. With video conferencing students would also be able to check out a lot more places, places they would never be able to see on a regular field trip.

Check out the following links to see what virtual field trips might have to offer your students:
Favorite Video Field Trips
E-learning, Free Virtual Field Trips
Knowledge Network Explorer

Here is an example of a Virtual Field Trip


Here is an example of a virtual field trip using skype


Whether you decide to purchase video conferencing equipment or use am online program such as Skype you are guaranteed and experience that your students won't soon forget.