Chapter 8 makes the argument that “web-based activities have the potential to enhance learning” (pg 240). There are 7 web-based lessons and projects discussed in the text:
(1) Electronic pen pals—Links students from different locations to exchange information
(2) Electronic mentoring—Links students with experts to answer questions
(3) Electronic/Virtual field trips—Visits sites to view people, places, or resources not locally available
(4) Electronic publishing—Shares written products on the web
(5) Group product development—Works on written products with students at different sites
(6) Problem-based learning—Allows a group of students to participate in problem solving activities
(7) Social action projects—Allows a group of students to discuss social or environmental problems and create solutions
I really like the idea of virtual field trips. It could help broaden students’ perspectives about other cultures. While I do not think virtual field trips should replace the experience of actually going somewhere, I think it is a beneficial alternative in specific circumstances. There are many reasons for teachers to take their students on a virtual field trip, such as: lack of funding, sites may not be locally accessible, safety issues, etc. Virtual field trips have the potential to open children’s eyes to a whole other world that they may not have access to otherwise. I think it is important to provide reinforcement activities into the classroom once their eyes have been open to something new and interesting. What I was able to experience and do “hands-on” impacted me the most. I want to provide similar life-long memories for my students.
Virtual field trips will be a useful resource when we become teachers. They give students the opportunity to discover people, places, and/or resources in a way that they would not be able to otherwise. This is an important tool for students who do not have the opportunity to travel outside the local area. In addition, some students may not have the same experiences as other students because of their economic status. However, virtual field trips give them the ability to explore the world without leaving the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI also like virtual field trips. I think they can benefit the kids and the classroom a lot. It is easier than taking the children on a field trip and having parents taking off work to go on the field trips. It also can help with not spending a lot of money on going on field trips. But I think that it is very essential to the children because they get to learn about something new and see it without leaving the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI think that virtual field trips are a really beneficial way to see places you would not be able to go otherwise. I also like the idea of a virtual pen pal. I think this a great way for students to learn practical writing skills as well as connect with a student outside of their environment. I think this is a really cool project especially for students who might feel like outsiders or do not have many friends.
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