Field Based Experiences

I think one of the biggest challenges in teaching is making sure the content connects to the students’ lives, community, city, state and world. We want students to make text-to-self and text-to-world connections but they are often not provided with the appropriate tools to be successful and to make these lasting connections. Making connections in all subjects is pivotal for the students’ overall understanding. After reading this week’s article, I find using technology (FlipShare and other cameras) on field trips will help students extend their thinking and make very important connections with the content. For this reason, I see how important it is to establish relationships with other schools in other states/countries. Students can share their findings with other students via video. Students can also go on virtual fieldtrips in order to enhance their understanding of a science/social studies unit. Coulter describes how first hand experiences are important part of inquiry. Incorporating technology such as Google Lit Trips will allow students to have those “field-based” experiences.