Virtual Adventures Workshop

This was a hand-on workshop about creating virtual adventures for students and about having students create their own. I liked the hands-on aspect and had a chance to try things out while asking questions.

Evaluating Virtual Fieldtrips:
— What are the major strengths and weaknesses of the virtual field trip?
— What would you change if you were creating the trip?
— Is it a quality product? Is the information current and accurate?
— Does the virtual field trip meet curriculum standards?
— Is it a good use of time?
— Is it good use of technology/internet? Or would a video, book or other tool be as effective?

Using Virtual Fieldtrips in Class:
— What curriculum standards does this fieldtrip address? How does this trip help me to differentiate learning; provide a different perspective; or challenge learners?
— Where will this resource be used in my lesson – as a springboard; information exploration; practice; or closure?
— How should the fieldtrip be introduced?
— What guidance will the students need in using this resource – for example guiding questions; handouts; or worksheets?
— How will time on the virtual adventure be managed?
— What are the logistics of the technology? Will the trip be used as a class experience or a learning station? Does lab time need to be scheduled?
— Will students work as individuals or as teams? Could different groups explore different areas and then share their findings with the entire class?
— Will there be a thematic headquarters? Suggestions: bulletin boards; banners; screen savers; notebooks; clipart; books; or displays.
— Will any students have difficulties accessing the information because of their special needs (i.e. vision; reading level)?
— How will student performance be assessed?

Ideas for Adapting Virtual Fieldtrips:
— If reading level is too high, copy the pictures into a PowerPoint and make your own show for the class. (Remember copyright and references – cannot post on web without permission.)
— If you find a number of good virtual adventures consider using parts of them in creating your own fieldtrip.
— If the content is too high or too low consider a supplemental guide – with vocabulary and additional information. Make it a “travel guide” and include any guiding questions, worksheets or activities.
— If a fieldtrip doesn’t fit what you are studying – can it be used for comparison? Compare cities; climates; people; places or events!If a fieldtrip is too limited – use it as a springboard or ask students to expand it – use it as a starter idea for creating a student or class fieldtrip.

Here is the link to the part of the site that has the resources we used in the workshop!
http://www.eduscapes.com/sessions/virtual/