Collaboration and Virtual Field Trip Resources

Sources for Collaborationreturn to top
Listed below are resources for finding classroom to classroom collaboration ideas. Even though many are geared towards making a connection across the country, most ideas can be adapted to do school to school within the district.

CAPspace - Collaborations around the Planet

Originally used as the tool to register for Read Around the Planet, this site has grown into a tool for posting and finding colloborative partners. There are currently 3556 educators from 22 countries registered with CAPspace.

CILC Collaboration Center

This site allows you to search collaboration requests by grade level or keywords.

Collaborative Videoconferences

A collaboration among several different educational entities, this wiki contains ideas for several different classroom to classroom connections.

Grade Level Guides to VC

Published by Berrien Co., Michigan schools. Although they are specific to Michigans' standards, there are some great ideas here.

Novel ideas by Wylie ISD

This site provides four lesson plans that can be used classed reading these books. Even if you are not reading the books, this may give you an idea of something you can try with a book you are reading.
This site was graciously shared by Monique Wilson, Technology Integration Mentor, Wylie ISD.

TWICE Videoconferencing Projects

This site provides many good examples of collaboration projects for classroom. TWICE is the state distance learning association for Michigan, so many of the example's are geared for Michigan schools. Use this site as a spring board to get an idea and adapt it for your needs.
Other starting points

Sources for Virtual Field Tripsreturn to top
Enrichment programs available through professional content providers often take the form of a virtual field trip. In this section you will find some things to keep in mind when looking for a virtual field trip and some links to searchable virtual field trip databases.

Tips for a successful Virtual Field Trip
To ensure a successful learning experience, several factors must be taken into account when planning a virtual field trip. You should make sure the following occurs when considering this kind of supplemental videoconference:

• Content matches the curriculum and grade level
• Content provider is reliable
• Program time and format match student availability
• IVC equipment is available
• Students and teachers are adequately prepared

• The length of the videoconference, and day/time restrictions
• The cost. Remember, ISDN is never "free".
• The type of connection, IP or ISDN
• The provider's policy should the event fail to "connect"
• The provider's cancellation policy
• The amount of interactivity available to students during the IVC
• The hands-on materials available to students for use before, during, or after IVC

Virtual Fieldtrip Databases
Below are a couple of searchable databases for virtual field trips to help get you started.

• Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration - CILC
• VC Content Providers - Sponsored by Polycom and Berrien RESA

Free Virtual Field Trips
The following providers offer FREE virtual field trips. Being listed here does not imply any endorsement or guarantee the quality of the provider. It is simply a list of what is offered. Free programs often fill up quickly. Plan ahead.

• Arizona Memorial Museum Association
• Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
• Grand Canyon National Park
• Lee Richardson Zoo
• NASA
• Smithsonian American Art Museum
• Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
• The National Archives

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