Before this class, I had never heard of "virtual field trips," and was interested to see how they could be incorporated into my own lesson plans. After exploring a few of the links on blackboard, I was amazed at all the different choices and options there are! I think virtual field trips can be incorporated into many different subject matters, and I am sure the students will love them!
The virtual field trip that I explored in detail was the city of Verona (the setting of Romeo and Juliet) on the website AROUNDER (arounder.com). According to their website, "AROUNDER gives travelers a vivid sense of what a city has to offer: historical cathedrals and works of art, museums featuring famous artists, local cafes and stores, breathtaking mountain-top views, quiet parks and gardens. Each issue contains a series of interesting panoramas giving you a full immersive view of the cities. Navigation is easy with Google maps of the city and surrounding area. Every issue also links to local merchants with virtual tours of hotels, restaurants, spas and stores." I think this field trip could be used for both elementary and high school level lesson plans.
On this field trip of Verona ( http://verona.arounder.com/) you are able to explore many of the main attractions Verona has to offer. They include: The Cathederal of Verona, the Arena di Verona, and the location of Juliet's (from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet) courtyard as well as the interior of her house! I loved this field trip and was amazed at how real it seemed. One of the reasons I choose this field trip to explore, was mainly due to the fact that I always disliked learning about History in school, and thought this could be a new way to help students learn interesting facts without being lectured and taking notes. I also think this could be incorporated into a lesson plan about Shakespeare's Romes and Juliet. It would be great to able to provide a visual aide for the students to make the story more relatable!
Hey Ashley
ReplyDeleteI wrote you a comment last night and now it's not here. This is freaking me out. It's like Groundhog day. I've been to Italy several times but never to Verona. Now I know that I can visit it "virtually". I'm sure a virtual visit to Verona and the home of Juliet would help to make a Shakespeare lesson much more accessible to students. Shakespeare is a tough sell because of their inability to relate to the time period and setting. This virtual field trip could help bridge that gap for them.
Hi Ashley
ReplyDeleteI guess I knew there were VFT in the classroom, I just did not know they had an official name! They certainly are so much better than the tapes we used to watch when I was a kid. The amount of information on a subject is mind boggling. It is exciting in many way and exhausting as well. I found this assignment a bit overwhelming as I searched for sites that were absolutely free. I think it helps to use a great site like arounder for studying art. The detail is amazing.
Rosanna
Hi Ashley--The cathedral in Verona is gorgeous! The pictures are so vivid and you really feel like you are moving through the cathedral.
ReplyDeleteI always say the European country I'd most like to visit is Italy. This is one more reason.
Thanks for the VFT tip!
Eileen
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI think this VFT would be an amazing addition to reading "Romeo & Juliet!" It would really help the students understand the setting, making their reading of this classic even better. :-)