Cognitive learning theory focuses on the students ability to place information into groups. It is very important to understand how important visual aids presented. If at all possible bring or go to the where the object is. What would be better talking about an archaeological dig? We all know the answer but we cannot always do that because of money. Money is a scarce resource even more so in these economic times. That is why virtual field trips can be so important.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
virtual field trips
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I just started exploring virtual field trips and have found several that would be beneficial for my students. The big problem have though is that many of them are my subscription only. I guess grants are always an option.
ReplyDeleteWe just started looking at a field trip in reference to colonial history for our fifth grade. Students are taken through a small town where they can explore life as it was during those times. Since an actual field trip would have cost us a tremendous amount of money (transportation especially), this is a great way for our students to experience a colonial environment instead of using photographs and illustrations in a textbook or other reference book. I can see how they will build better connections to the material and have a deeper understanding. We have also thought of my critical thinking activities to accompany this field trip so we are eager to see if our grant money is approved!
Have you found any that you were interested in?
Craig,
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more on the importance, effectiveness, and wonderful benefits that virtual field trips offer our students. Virtual field trips enable the teacher to utilize this media rich resource as well as conventional resources, such as textbooks, to "compare information and engage in critical thinking activities" (Laureate Education Inc., 2008b). Furthermore, virtual field trips follow cognitive learning theories as it "integrates multiple senses within the presentation to improve learning" (Laureate Education Inc., 2008a). As students explore the virtual field trip, along with the extensive resources and artifacts also available within it, they will be able to associate the "rich connections in which they will be able to retrieve that information later in life" (Laureate Education Inc., 2008b). Furthermore, the implementation of virtual field trips alleviates the need for financial support as anyone can visit a field trip location by the click of a mouse. The use of virtual field trips will assist in connecting prior knowledge with current concepts for better understanding. What type of virtual field trips have you explored or are interested in taking your class on? Teaching third grade, I find that many of the field trips related to history or science will be extremely beneficial in our studies.
Melissa Smith
References
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008a). Program five. Cognitive Learning Theory [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008b). Program six. Spotlight on Technology: Virtual Field Trips [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Thank you both Joe and Melissa for your thoughtful responses. Money is always a huge issue. I agree though allowing students to go to different areas is important. I have interactive maps that come with my textbook. It is was amazing to see how more interested they were when they could click and go to the area they wanted to first. Also the computer brings an aspect of "coolness" that is always needed.
ReplyDeleteCraig,
ReplyDeleteI echo the agreements from the other commentors about the positive possibilities these virtual field trips pose.
They are a great supplement to a lesson or lecture, and are a different version of the traditional video, movie, or film strip (if you are old enough to remember them) and informational hand out.
The great thing about the virtual field trip (VFT) is that the students are using a computer and have the versitility to move back and forth between sites, pages, and other research areas, to verify information, get additional content, and suppleemnt the original vft in a way they never could have with the previous videos or movies on a given subject.
The videos and movies we showed in class about a topic were "finite" and had no additional material beyond what was on the video. The vft sites can be expanded upon and switched between other sites for additional and supplemental information and for additional verification and clarification.
take care
Rob Zingg