Virtual Field Trip

My Virtual Field Trip


I am quite happy with the final "trip". My idea behind the trip was to have students in 4th and 5th grades interact with the file in Google Earth BEFORE we study the highlighted cultures. This will provide students with a background on each culture and allow them to discuss aspects of each in class in more depth. The students could access the file either in school or at home(at home will be encouraged). Since there is a lot of information we will view the trip in chunks before each culture is introduced. This can happen over the first couple weeks of school. Students finished early with a project can go to the computer lab and access the information. Ultimately this will save time in a class where I only see them once every 6 days.

The cultures we have highlighted are the Cuna Indians of South America, Asante People of Ghana West Africa, Aboriginal people of Arnhem Land, Australia, and the Japanese craftsman of Tokyo, Japan. Each culture is one that we study in art class throughout the year. I have included mini projects in each place mark that differ from the projects we complete in class. I think that this will give the students a deeper understanding and appreciation for each individual culture. I have also focused the video clips I have included to review different aspects and customs of each culture - not just art and artifacts.

Students can continue to develop their ethical and respectful minds by becoming aware of global cultures. Understanding and compassion stem from familiarity with global issues and conditions. By learning how different cultures live and thrive, students can develop a respect and understanding of the different cultures they come in contact with everyday. Tolerance is not enough. Understanding, collaboration, and acceptance come from an ethical and respectful approach to treating all people with dignity. As an art teacher I try to point out the similarities between other cultures and my students. By the same token we celebrate the differences as unique points of interest and creative expression essential to all people.

Google Earth provides an excellent way to provide a more "concrete" experience when studying distant cultures. The ability to embed video, text, audio and assessments are great features of this powerful program. Although I will admit it took me more time to learn than any of the other tools that we used. That will not inhibit me from using it in the future.

From a student perspective this is a great opportunity to really become globally aware. That is so important in Art class, social studies, Language Arts, and other subjects that reference "culture". Students can't help but develop respectful and ethical approaches to learning and inquiry as Google Earth provides a highly motivational and interactive environment in which to explore the world.