The Future of Virtual Field Trips
As educators that are contemplating taking your students on Virtual Field Trips it is essential that you have an understanding of the affordances of Google Earth and Skype.
Google Earth, is a digital globe that contains detailed maps of countries, provinces, cities, and geographical information. Google Earth is able to take your students to all corners of the world, granted some corners in more detail, and to the outer space of our galaxy.
Skype in the Classroom, creates opportunities for students to make connections with others outside of the classroom walls. Educators across the globe are inspiring students to become digital citizens, offering chances to transform the way students learn. Many museums, zoos, and explorers have partnered with Skype to create memorable virtual experiences (Skype, 2014).
Both of these technologies support the use of mobile devices. Students are not required to remain stationed at a desktop computer. They are easily able to take their learning wherever they please. Imagine students excited to share a walking they have just taken in the arctic, and them running across the classroom (in a controlled manner) to share their excitement with their peers.
By taking students on Virtual Field Trips classes are no longer confined within the walls of the classroom. Classes are no longer limited by the economical costs associated to traditional field trips. You are able to share your excitement and your passion for travel and with your students. The classroom has now become an engaging atmosphere for students, with opportunities to transfer their knowledge into the real-world.
Google Earth, is a digital globe that contains detailed maps of countries, provinces, cities, and geographical information. Google Earth is able to take your students to all corners of the world, granted some corners in more detail, and to the outer space of our galaxy.
Skype in the Classroom, creates opportunities for students to make connections with others outside of the classroom walls. Educators across the globe are inspiring students to become digital citizens, offering chances to transform the way students learn. Many museums, zoos, and explorers have partnered with Skype to create memorable virtual experiences (Skype, 2014).
Both of these technologies support the use of mobile devices. Students are not required to remain stationed at a desktop computer. They are easily able to take their learning wherever they please. Imagine students excited to share a walking they have just taken in the arctic, and them running across the classroom (in a controlled manner) to share their excitement with their peers.
By taking students on Virtual Field Trips classes are no longer confined within the walls of the classroom. Classes are no longer limited by the economical costs associated to traditional field trips. You are able to share your excitement and your passion for travel and with your students. The classroom has now become an engaging atmosphere for students, with opportunities to transfer their knowledge into the real-world.
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(Technology for Teachers and Students, 2012). Creating Virtual Tours in Google Earth.
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(Skype, 2014). Skype in the Classroom takes students on the ultimate field trip.
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