Thursday, December 14, 2006

The Viewpoint of a Sixth Grader

While teaching a lesson to a class of sixth graders, they compared and contrasted virtual field trips to actual field trips. Their responses were very interesting.

Similarities

share the same displays/exhibits
same information/text
you can view more than one exhibit in a visit
manipulate exhibits both virtually and physically

Differences

can't touch/smell/taste
no gift shop
no bus ride experience (bus sickness)
lacking city trip experience - sites of another city
physical component of walking around
teacher chaperones at an actual field trip
no lines/crowds at a virtual field trip
takes less time to "arrive" at the trip with virtual tours

They also pointed out that VFTs would be less expensive.
I was very surprised to survey the class and find out that they would prefer virtual field trips.



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