Tips
Introduction to Virtual Field Trips
The success of a virtual video conference is dependent on all participants. Properly preparing for the conference includes:
- participating in a test conference prior to the event to ensure that all participating sites are compatible.
- preparing participants/students by completing any pre-event activities related to the presentation.
- preparing participants/students for their role in a video conferencing event. This is particularly important if this is the participant’s/student’s first experience in a virtual event.
- exposing participants/students to video conferencing technology which will allow participants/students to see themselves.
Teacher’s role in the video conference:
- Set up or arrange for technology for the event.
- Prepare students.
- Review student’s role in the video conference
- Pre-determine a student to introduce the class.
- Grade level, where the school is located, and possibly what they have been studying related to the VFT presentation.
- Pre-determine a student to introduce the class.
- Preview purpose of the lesson with students.
- Introduce or have students research information about the VFT presenter/site.
- Have students prepare questions for the presenter.
- Designate a location where students go to ask questions.
- Review student’s role in the video conference
- During the video conference:
- When the presenter asks a question, the teacher should identify a student to answer the question.
- If necessary, mute and un-mute your audio.
Student’s role in the video conference:
- Students should be prepared to give brief presentations, ask questions, and respond to presenters.
- Students should speak in a loud, clear voice. If a microphone is placed in a central location, instruct the students to walk up and speak into the microphone.
- Students should remain quiet while others are talking. The microphones pick up background noise, and this can be very distracting.
- Students are representing their schools; they should be on their best behavior.