Virtual field trips can be a great alternative to real field trips, especially in our current times. They offer students the opportunity to be immersed in new environments, cultural experiences, and view learning topics through an engaging lens in the comfort of their own classroom. As opposed to real field trips, virtual field trips and tours offer experiences at no cost (usually), no permission slips necessary, no volunteers needed, and the chance to visit anywhere around the world.
Virtual field trips and tours can be formal through an organization where a representative can video chat with your class and lead them through activities, teacher led through an organization’s website such as aquariums and museums, or very informal such as through google maps and YouTube videos.
Just today, to cap off our social studies unit on maps and landmarks, my online grade 1 students embarked on a virtual field trip to Disney World! Using Google Maps we were able to go from Edmonton, Alberta to Orlando, Florida and utilize the street view function to stroll through the streets of Disney World. We paired that with Youtube videos (click to go on the Peter Pan ride!) to go on some rides to end our adventure. This is a simple example of how a teacher can create an experience for their class somewhere they would normally not get to go.
A great example of a museum virtual tour is the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. A virtual tour such as this can be experienced as a whole class or each student may explore on their own mobile devices. These provide opportunities for students of all backgrounds from anywhere in the world to engage in many different cultural experiences without having to worry about travel or cost.
Hi Erin,
This was posted a while ago, but it’s still relevant in places where restrictions have not been completely lifted. While appreciate the conveniences that goes along with virtual field trips, I wonder what kind of impact they’d have on younger children who need more sensory input. At the same time this could be an opportunity for children to develop their imagination.
I found virtual live tours of Amazon Fulfillment Centers. I thought that could be part of a social studies unit. They also have live tours of the engineering department.
https://amazonfctours.com/virtualtours?utm_source=sem&utm_medium=g&utm_campaign=virtual_na&utm_term=fctours
We are Teachers seem to have lots of links to different virtual tours grouped by unit/theme.
https://www.weareteachers.com/best-virtual-field-trips/
Hi Erin,
That sounds like a great idea!
I haven’t tried it before, but it definitely sounds like a good option. I Google searched it and here are some options for virtual field trips: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/parenting/a32403098/virtual-field-trips-for-kids/
It would be great if kids can use VR goggles to do the field trips. I know they are not widely affordable and available for every student yet, but I think in the future, VR goggles would be a great addition to the classroom and I hope to see that they become a regular classroom tool.
Thanks Emily! I am looking to find as many as I can so I can have my students explore a ton of different virtual field trips on their own as “may do” activities for the ones who are really interested in it.
Here is another list of virtual tours https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/free-virtual-tours/ ! They absolutely live the Smithsonian and DisneyWorld (We also went to Paris, Phoenix and Honolulu) and I loving watching them get interested in maps and different exhibits we saw.
Hi Erin,
I really like the concept of virtual field trips. Virtual field trips are indeed a great way to get the 3D visualization and experience of the real world which enhances students’ learning. During Covid times, the integration of virtual trips can facilitate students’ learning by providing a simulated learning environment.
I teach secondary students and mentor students in their transition from high school to university courses. I am wondering if there are any engineering or science virtual lab trips that the universities can provide to their prospective students. Virtual field trips to university campuses including labs, classrooms and selected work from their current students would help the secondary students immensely in making an informed decision about the university and program of their choice.
That sounds like a really great use of virtual tour technology!
I did a quick google search and found some websites that have virtual tours of Universities.
https://www.campustour.ca let you search institutions around the word and uses google map street view (at least the ones I looked at) to walk around campus.
https://www.ualberta.ca/admissions/undergraduate/tours-and-events/campus-tours/virtual-campus-experience.html? The University of Alberta used YouTube videos to take prospective students around study spaces, labs, etc.
https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/explore-harvard/virtual-tour Harvard has the best virtual tour that I found (not surprised).
Yes, these virtual trips would be really helpful for secondary students. I found one link to the virtual tour for UBC too.
https://you.ubc.ca/tours-info-sessions/virtual-tour/#
I just read that Google Expeditions is closing down soon, but that Google is planning on releasing a new version with more added features and the ability to build your own Expeditions based on models you’ve made and 360 videos you’ve produced.
Virtual Field Trips are amazing and they’re a great way to get the kids to connect with place based learning when they’re unable to leave the classroom.
Hi Erin,
I am very happy that you brought up this form of exploration. I went searching and found this site that reviews a number of virtual Canadian tours: https://etfovoice.ca/feature/virtual-field-trips, and this one that lists sites around the world: https://helpwevegotkids.com/national/article/education/20-cool-virtual-field-trips-for-kids/.
Virtual field trips is a great conversation-starter in the classroom, and when coupled with a penpal classroom (https://scarfedigitalsandbox.teach.educ.ubc.ca/penpal-schools/) helps bring about a feeling of connectivity to the global village.
This is an effective means of using digital tools to appreciate culture!