Year+3-4

**Virtual Field Trips in the Middle School:**

I have used a virtual field trip on Marine Reserves this term in my class to support learning about marine mammals and threats to the marine environment. As it was my first time using the virtual trip, it was a work in progress and I found that there was a lot of value in many aspects of the site. I found it was best at my teaching level to use the data projector to share the trip with my class, as this allowed me to guide the children through the tour keeping them engaged. I didn't utilise the live audio or video conferences, however as these are automatically archived, this didn't present much of an issue and we just listened/watched these when it suited us throughout the day.My students particularly enjoyed using the online message boards to ask specific questions to help with their inquiry on the topic. An expert responded within 24 hours so the children could log in the next day to get their answer.The activities were also great, as they aligned with the tour and could be done online or downloaded into hardcopy and done at another time. The easy back ground information provided a modified version of the background information page, which was obviously much better for the younger students who don't have the reading ability the older ones have. I felt the downsides of the LEARNZ website included the presentation of the site, the colours are drab and the interface is generally pretty uninspiring to children who are used to graphics that are sophisitcated and flashy. This was definitely a negative as was the over whelming impression of words that the children get at every page of the site. Links to the glossary and other pages of the virtual tour would definitely assist young readers and help keep the children engaged and focussed. Next time teachers at our school will utilise the ambassador, as we thought this looked like an excellent motivator for the students. Charlotte Barrance & Diane Ormiston -Milford

Wondered whether there could be a project like a web quest to be part of the tour to help students to wrap up their learning/inquiry and present and evaluate their learning. Just a suggestion, I'll definitely use the virtual tour if my school signs up for it though. Looks pretty good. Kurt Dorset: Takapuna Primary.

Diary Mapping-Geography-Panoramas Oral Language-posing qustions, asking questions,interview techniques,presentations Enviro schools-Linking to other schools via the web Looking at people at their jobs-Social Studies-combined with technology On line activities for independent work ( reading groups perhaps) with instant feedback through marking which reinforces what they are learning about

The Ict supports the learning and motivates it. Using e-mail and presenting your information on powerpoint and other presentation options and other ICT mediums. This can be further linked into other areas of the curriculum. The children can also listen to audio and conference. The learning is motivated by the children and the teacher is the facilitator. Use the server and possibly set up a wiki so that the teachers can share their new learning. Teacher talk will motivate and encourage others.**
 * It can be individualised and grouped. Whole class and class sharing and teacher modelling. Team sharing. You can integrate a huge amount - cross curriculum. The children use more as they become confident with it. Information can be gathered and children can sort this and accumulate the information. There is ongoing learning and the integral part of the learning. The children can respond to the medium and they are reading, listening, talking, questioning, critically thinking, inquring, reflecting.

The website had a lot of comprehensive information. You would have to go through it thoroughly to make sure it was appropriate for your level. I really liked how it had support material with relevent lo's etc. I could see that this could be an awesome resource not only for general class learning but for G&T students. If they were interested in a particular topic it has in depth material/ learning for them.

Preparation page gave lots of factual information for front loading. Activities could motivate discussion. Pictures a great discussion tool... for motivation, brainstorming, finding out prior knowledge and getting children to think of focus questions. Activities leveled and linked to two relevent curriculum areas. Can be downloaded or completed on line.

Children might need to be supervised on this site... or you will need to copy and save each page/picture for independent use.