Journal #1 The Beginner's Guide to IVFTs

Zanetis, J. (2010, March/April). The Beginner's guide to interactive virtual field trips. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/20100304#pg1

In this article Janet Zanetis provides an in-depth position on virutal field trips that can be incorporated in to the classroom as it stands now. It is a great piece that shows how possible it is even in the current state of the economy. Despite districts being less capable of allowing for quality field trips out of the mundane setting that a school can become, Zanetis shows that the resources are typically there for most schools. She shows that teachers can access Interactive Virtual Field Trips without to provide the stimulating environment through the online resources she provides.

Zanetis referes to two different types IVFTs, Asynchronous VFTs and Interactive VFTs, which provide similar experiences, but one is live and one is not. The Asynchronous VFTs are prearranged videos and activities online that provide simulations of environments that teachers and students can access at any time. The Interactive VFTs might be a little more exciting for the students and the teacher even. It is a live interaction with someone over video conferencing. It allows for interaction with experts in real time and can be from anywhere in the world. It is a more involved process and requires special equipment to access. The author provided several resources for each type of VFT.

1. What would be the different ways to incorporate these two VFTs in to the classroom?
For the Asynchronous VFT, I would be able to use it more loosely in any unit of instruction. I would be able to have it as a center since it is not a live production. It would make it much more accessible to the busy school day. The Interactive VFT would have to be planned like a regular field trip since it will take time to set up and also, because we would have to be in one place at one time to hear the presenter.

2. What would be the downfall to each?
The downfall to the first one would be that the experience might be lessened since it is not a live experience. The downfall to the second would be the work that would have to go in to getting it all put together and making sure that my school has the equipment to support the field trip.