Virtual Field Trips
The study of geography is focused on connecting with the world we live in. Occasionally, we will interact with real people around the world in live time using free videoconferencing software (i.e. Skype, Google Hangout, etc).
Often, these will be virtual field trips led by expert hosts around the world. Personal past examples of virtual field trips in my former classrooms include: conservationist at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand, polar scientist in Antarctica, marine biologist at the Monterey Bay Aquarium (CA), children's book author in New York, and penguin/sea bird conservationists at SANCCOB in South Africa. The object of these virtual experiences is to learn more about careers and places around the world directly from the experts themselves. Additional language arts standards will be incorporated. These sessions will be announced ahead of time, and parents are welcome to join.
Other times will be with peer groups from around the world. These sessions are called Mystery Skypes. The object of these sessions is for the students to use their growing knowledge of the world to ask yes/no questions and try to figure out where the other class is located.
All students must have a signed permission slip on file to participate, or will be given an alternate assignment.
Often, these will be virtual field trips led by expert hosts around the world. Personal past examples of virtual field trips in my former classrooms include: conservationist at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand, polar scientist in Antarctica, marine biologist at the Monterey Bay Aquarium (CA), children's book author in New York, and penguin/sea bird conservationists at SANCCOB in South Africa. The object of these virtual experiences is to learn more about careers and places around the world directly from the experts themselves. Additional language arts standards will be incorporated. These sessions will be announced ahead of time, and parents are welcome to join.
Other times will be with peer groups from around the world. These sessions are called Mystery Skypes. The object of these sessions is for the students to use their growing knowledge of the world to ask yes/no questions and try to figure out where the other class is located.
All students must have a signed permission slip on file to participate, or will be given an alternate assignment.