Looking for an innovative way to extend learning experiences in your early childhood classroom without breaking your budget? Virtual field trips are an innovative and inspiring approach to fostering learning during early childhood, and a great way to integrate technology as a tool into your curriculum. With an internet connection and a form of interactive technology, early childhood educators can embark on numerous journeys outside of the classroom with their students while never leaving the classroom!
To learn more about virtual field trips and options available for educators, visit http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech071.shtml. Education World provides an overview for virtual field trips as well as links for available virtual field trips. You can also subscribe to receive free newsletters from Education World.
Link to a real-life website so colleagues can learn more about it.
Virtual field trips have influenced my thoughts on effective learning experiences for young children, and practices that early childhood educators can apply towards promoting learning based on child development. When used appropriately, virtual field trips provide positive learning experiences for children (Kirchen, 2011). Virtual field trips are motivational for children, and a great way to incorporate interactive technology into the curriculum. They are also a great option for visual learners. Virtual field trips provide children with experiences that they may not be able to experience otherwise. Trips to museums and community businesses can be expensive. Many times families as well as early childhood programs cannot afford transportation and admission for trips. Virtual field trips allow children to experience field trips at no cost. Virtual field trips also allow children to experience places outside of their local communities in different states or all around the world. What a great way to incorporate diversity and multicultural education in your early childhood program! It is important to note that interactive technology should be used intentionally and in a developmentally appropriate way. The same applies with virtual field trips. They should not be replace interactions or be used as an isolated activity, instead they should be integrated into the curriculum (Kirchen, 2011).
Have you ever embarked on a virtual field trip with your students? If so, can you provide any suggestions for interactive virtual field trips? What best practices can you share regarding virtual field trips? I will be conducting a virtual field trip with Kindergarten children over the next week, and I look forward to sharing feedback and best practices!
References
Kirchen, D.J. (2011). Making and taking virtual field trips in pre-k and the primary grades. Young Children, 66(6), 22-26.
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