View source for Incorporating Virtual Field Trips within Elementary Science Instruction

[[ETAP_623_Fall_2020_(Zhang)|ETAP 623 Fall 2020]] |
[[Alivia_Clark|Alivia's portfolio page]]


[[File:Field trip.gif|thumb|]]

== '''Overview and Purpose''' ==
The intent of this course is to show educators how to utilize Virtual Field Trips in their classrooms, specifically elementary science.

Topics that will be covered:

* What is a Virtual Field Trip?
* How can a teacher utilize a Virtual Field Trip in their classroom?
* How are Virtual Field Trips effective in an elementary science classroom?
* How to use Virtual Field Trips specifically in a elementary science classroom.
* How to find Virtual Field Trips for elementary science lessons.
* What are the pros and cons to using Virtual Field Trips within a science lesson?

=='''Needs Assessment'''==
'''Who is this reaching?'''
This instruction is reaching students, parents, teachers/educators, even the public. 

'''Location of the problem'''
The location of the problem is inside the school setting. When surveying the needs of 9 teachers they said that there are many challenges they face while teaching science. They responded by saying there are not many resources out there for teachers to use, no curriculum, the time constraints, science not being a priority, not enough time to let students explore or experiment, and keeping students focused. The most common problem that was brought to attention was "not enough time allotted for science instruction." 

The solution to this problem is to:

* Educate elementary educators on why science instruction is needed 
* Describe the benefits of instruction and consequences of lack of instruction
* Define and elaborate upon what virtual field trips are. 
** Provide potential teaching strategies for using virtual field trips
*** Encourage educators to motivate and engage their students within these strategies
* Direct educators on how to further develop their craft in regards to pragmatic instruction and resources to learn more information in the future

== '''Performance Objectives''' ==
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
* Thoroughly define Virtual Field Trips.
* Summarize how to use Virtual Field Trips during science instruction.
* Describe how Virtual Field Trips can be used within ones own classroom. 
* Display how to find useful and effective Virtual Field Trips to go with science lessons.
* Synthesize the pros and cons of using Virtual Field Trips within a science lesson.

== '''Course Units''' ==

'''''Each unit title is a link, which will take you directly to that section of the mini-course.'''''

'''[[Unit 1: What is a Virtual Field Trip?]]'''
#Learners will examine what Virtual Field Trips are and summarize how to use Virtual Field Trips during science instruction. 

'''[[Unit 2: The Pros & Cons of Virtual Field Trips]]'''
 
#  	Learners will explore and examine different types of Virtual Field Trips 
#  	Learners will synthesize the pros of using Virtual Field Trips within a science lesson. 
#  	Learners will synthesize the cons of using Virtual Field Trips within a science lesson. 

'''[[Unit 3: Virtual Field Trips Within Your Own Science Classroom]]'''
#  	Learners will explore different types of Virtual Field Trips.
#	Learners will learn how to use Virtual Field Trips within a science lesson.
#	Learners will explore sites that have pre-made Virtual Field Trips for teachers to use. 
#       Learners will learn how to create their own Virtual Field Trips.

'''[[Unit 4: Virtual Field Trip DIY]]'''
#	Learners will explore websites or create their own Virtual Trip for an upcoming lesson. 
#	Learners will display how useful and effective Virtual Field Trips can be within elementary science lessons.

==Extended Resources==
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[[Category: Education during COVID-19 and beyond]]
[[Category: Virtual environments]]
[[Category: Informal learning]]
[[Category: Experiential learning]]
[[Category: Science education]]
[[Category: Elementary grades]]