Enriching Learning Through Virtual Field Trips

Enriching Learning Through Virtual Field Trips

Teachers have long looked towards technology to elevate learning experiences in the classroom. The importance and need for practical and reality-based learning has opened the doors to different approaches, among them being virtual field trips.

Virtual field trips are digital exploration of our world using a collection of technological resources such as images, audio-video clips, animations and sounds. It is both an alternative and supplement to traditional field trips and creates learning opportunities for students without stepping out of the classroom. Virtual field trips enrich student learning in the following ways:

Connect and compare theoretical knowledge with the real world: Virtual field trips enable students to make connections and compare theoretical information with practical situations. Students are encouraged to think critically and apply the concepts learned in class to the real world.

Endless discoveries: Virtual field trips are not limited by distance, time and money. They enable students to explore just about anything using the internet. Teachers can choose from countless virtual field trips available online, or create a customized trip for their class. Students can “virtually visit” anywhere with just a click.

Interactive experience: Virtual field trips create a highly interactive experience for students. Certain settings allow students to have a bird’s view of a location, to zoom in close, or view a 360-degree rotation of an area. This technology equips students with the freedom to discover, view and learn at their own pace.

Captivates all learners: The trips cater to students of all learning styles. All trips have audio-visuals and narratives to guide students, catering to auditory and visual learners. Kinesthetic learners can benefit from trips that allow interaction in that they can manipulate and move objects by clicking on them.

Immense resources: Virtual field trips are a rich source of material and resources for students. Students can instantly access the most current, diverse and detailed information from various points of view.

Virtual field trips hold a place in our 21st century classrooms and can create an interactive, stimulating and enriching learning experience for students.

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