Western New York Distance Learning Consortium

Virtual Field Trips – Resources for the Classroom

Video Conferencing equipment along with traditional distance learning rooms has opened the door to new learning experiences for students and new instruction resources for teachers. The question often asked is where do we begin. The first contact should be your BOCES distance learning coordinator. These contacts are listed at the end of this document.

The next step is what types of events are available as video conferences or virtual field trips. First, the web addresses of two instructionally rich virtual field trip databases are included. The list here may seem endless. To help your school explore some options of virtual field trip providers already utilized by other local schools, a list of thirteen virtual field trip provides is attached. The information included is directly from the virtual field trip provider.

Virtual Field Trip Databases

Looking for program providers or simply interested in connecting with another classroom? The SBC Videoconferencing Directory is a free, searchable database of videoconferencing sites of interest to K-12 school, community college, and public library communities. Our directory includes contacts, program descriptions, and equipment information for over 1200 sites.

The Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC) improves communication, collaboration, and learning by providing expertise in videoconferencing, thereby helping organizations achieve goals and maximize results. A nonprofit organization, CILC works with clients to plan, implement, and manage the successful integration of technology. In addition, consultants help clients develop educational and professional development programming, as well as community partnerships, all relying on videoconferencing.

Drawing from 11 years of experience, CILC's process of planning, implementing, and integrating videoconferencing helps insure that your organization can maximize the technology to achieve the utmost benefits.

Virtual Field Trip Providers

  • Columbus Zoo - Distance Learning at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is full for the 2005-2006 school year. Programming for the 2006-2007 school year will open on June 1.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium broadcasts videoconferencing programs directly from animal exhibits, and incorporates a variety of hands-on activities into every class.

Each teacher will receive a packet containing information and materials for their session(s), as well as ideas for pre- and post-visit activities when they schedule a program.

  • You Must have access to two-way audio/video teleconferencing equipment that runs at a speed of 384 kbps (ISDN) or higher. The Zoo cannot currently connect though IP technology.
  • 40-minute program
  • $100 per session
  • Call (614) 724-3578 or email for reservations.
  • Rate increase – Programs will now cost $120 per session starting July 1, 2006.
  • Louisville Science Center

/

/ Wave Watch - Grades 2-12
Discover the waves around you - light waves, sound waves, water waves, infrared waves and electromagnetic waves - as we explore the science and properties of each and their roles in our daily lives.

Scheduling information
Dates and times of Distance Learning programs are scheduled by request. Costs are $100 for in-state links, $175 for out-of-state links and $250 for customized links. A purchase order number or credit card payment method (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) is required for scheduling. For details, call our School Services Coordinator at (502) 561-6100, ext. 6143 or (800) 591-2203, ext. 6143 or send an e-mail.

  • NASA Digital Learning Network

The goal of NASA's Digital Learning Network™ is to enhance NASA's capability to deliver unique content by linking customers with one or more NASA Centers in an integrated fashion. This coordinated digital learning network will let us better leverage NASA's unique content, facilities, and personnel so that we can provide students and educators at the precollege and university levels across the Nation and around the world with a unique experience.

Learners at all levels have the opportunity to interact directly with NASA scientists to gain a new appreciation for the importance of science and education.

Attached is a link to the events catalog. There are currently 61 Virtual Field Trips in the NASA database. All video conference are of high quality.

OLD FORT NIAGARA
Just the [Arti]facts, Ma'am

An interactive program, designed to introduce students to the study of artifacts and archaeology. Presented in a game format, this program lets students have fun while they learn!

Duration: 45-60 Minutes Cost: $75.00

Customize Your Own Program

Additional programs can be created to suit individual class/school needs. Possible topics include:

  • Artifacts
  • The Fur Trade
  • American Revolution
  • War of 1812
  • World War I
  • World War II
  • ”Ask the Expert“
  • Colonial Life
  • French & Indian War
  • 18th/19th Century Uniforms and Clothing
  • Pre & Post Tour Programs

Current cost for full prograqms (45-60 min.) is $75.00. Cost for short programs (20-30 min.) is $35.00.

  • The Buffalo Zoo

Distance Learning Program Information:

  • All programs are interactive, multimedia, and employ the use of live animals and live exhibit footage as needed.
  • All programs are designed to help students fulfill the National and New York State Learning Standards.
  • Pre and post program information and materials are provided (except Q & A) and are included in the program fee.
  • Class size is limited to 25-30 students for maximum interactivity and program quality.
  • The Buffalo Zoo’s distance learning equipment is capable of presenting at a speed of 384 kbps (ISDN) or less.

Program Length: 45 minutes unless otherwise specified

What are the program fees?
$85 for 45-minute sessions, including: SENSE-ational Animals, Behavior Basics, Rainforest Experience, Conservation Connection, Gorilla Quest, Habitat Explorers and Q&A
$50 for our 30-minute Q&A session or Teacher Workshop
$200 for our series class, Animal Enrichment
How do you schedule a distance learning program?
1. Contact the Distance Learning Coordinator at the Buffalo Zoo to schedule a program for a specific date, at (716) 837-3900 ext. 143 or email at .
2. The Zoo will send a confirmation letter with additional information, along with any necessary materials.

  • Mote Marine

Connect your classroom to sharks, manatees, sea turtles and more! Mote’s SeaTrek program uses interactive videoconferencing to engage students, one class at a time in exciting marine science topics. SeaTrek’s educators develop, test and deliver highly engaging and interactive live programs, featuring real-world science at Mote Marine Laboratory.

SeaTrek brings high-energy, multimedia science programming right into the classroom using videoconferencing and Internet technology.
Our programs feature real scientists working in the field with interviews showing how their interests led them to their careers. Each program is supported by a free, downloadable, companion curriculum, aligned with National and Sunshine State Science Education Standards.

COSI's Virtual Museum

These forty-minute sessions were developed using established National Science Standards as a framework for fun interaction! Prior to the sessions, teachers are mailed a package of materials, curriculum, and extensions for their classes to participate in during their upcoming lessons. These live sessions present science concepts featuring a COSI WOW! introduction, followed by group explorations between the COSI Team and your classroom. These learning modules complement classroom curriculums, and all sessions are personalized with the format adjusted according to the ages and ability levels of the participating sites.

Session Costs

  • Purchase 1 session for $170 plus line charges
  • Purchase 30 sessions for $125 each plus line charges
  • Purchase 60 sessions for $100 each plus line charges

Price includes Class interaction kit for 30 students including:

  • Teacher's Guide
  • Module Outline
  • Sample Hands-on Activities
  • Interactive Group Exploration Materials
  • Post-event Extension Activities
  • References and Resources
  • Indianapolis Zoo

Pricing Information

  • Multipoint (two to four schools participating): $80 in-state, $90 out-of-state
  • Point-to-Point connections (one school participating): $160in-state, $170 out-of-state
  • View only: $40in-state, $50 out-of-state
  • Special Request Programs (programs arranged to fit your schedule): $160 in-state, $170 out-of-state
    Arrangements for these programs must be made at least two weeks in advance and schedule availability may be limited.
  • Monthly Specials (these are all multipoint connections): $70.00in-state, $80 out-of-state
  • For all connections, schools are responsible for paying their own line charges.
  • NEW! Multi-program discount! Book four or more programs at one time and receive $10 off the price of each program. Programs must be scheduled with the same school or site. Programs may be scheduled for any time during the same school year, but all requests eligible for the discount must be submitted, received, and approved at the same time. Not valid for view-only programs; sites must be interactive.
  • Brownsburg Challenger Learning Center

Brownsburg Challenger Learning Center offers distance learning to students across the nation! Through our partnership with Ameritech, and as a member of the Vision Athena Network, Brownsburg Challenger Learning Center has expanded its programming to include distance learning. The distance events vary. We offer a variety of programs, mission access workshops, and special events. $60-$130 per event

NEW!!
Challenger Learning Center is now offering programming through IP(Internet Protocol) technology!

  • Albany Institute of History & Art

The Albany Institute's Virtual Field Trips are exciting real-time interactive programs. Museum educators use objects, images and inquiry-based teaching methods to engage students in lessons that focus on American history and art as well as the art and culture of ancient Egypt. Students are active participants in the lesson; they observe, analyze and express their ideas about objects and images presented.

The Albany Institute’s videoconferencing is intended for individual classes or group of 30 students or fewer. In addition to a main camera, a special “document camera” allows for close inspection of individual objects. Each lesson is approximately 60 minutes. Each lesson was co-written with K-12 teachers , and corresponds with New York State and National Standards.

Reservations are suggested two weeks in advance for all Virtual Field Trips and Virtual Teacher Workshops. Please contact Tracy Grosner at 518.463.4478 to schedule your lesson.

Availability

Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (EST)

Fees

Virtual Field Trips are $100.00 each and Virtual Teacher Workshops are $50.00. Each school is responsible to pay for connection fees for the videoconferencing call.

Technology Required

We can connect via ISDN or IP, at speeds up to 384K. Please contact your district's technology coordinator for further information.

  • The Center for Puppetry Arts

The Center for Puppetry Arts uses the latest technology to offer nationwide Distance Learning programs for PreK-12. Hands-on puppet building workshops are conducted via videoconferencing and are tailored to specific classroom topics and curriculum. The arts are infused with science, social studies, language arts and other disciplines to create a dynamic, interactive virtual classroom for a virtual field trip experience. Programs complement national curriculum standards in language arts, social studies, science, math and other areas. The Center provides a comprehensive study guide and materials list for most programs.

Program Fees:
• All programs are $130 each (point-to-point connection)
Discount Policy:
• Book 10 programs and the 11th is free
• Georgia schools, call 404.881.5117 for discount information
Connectivity Information:
• The Center connects directly via ISDN (H.320) & IP (H.323)
• Tandberg 880 MXP
• ISDN connections require a minimum speed of 128 k and maximum of 384 k
• Please email or call for IP address and ISDN numbers

Smithsonian American Art Museum

Artful Connections

Visit the Smithsonian American Art Museum without leaving your school! Free of charge, we offer videoconference field trips for students from kindergarten through college. Via real-time videoconferencing, museum docents lead the study of U.S. history and culture using our extensive holdings of American art. We have already held Artful Connections with teachers and students across the country—from the Garden State to the Golden State!

Our content corresponds to national education standards, and tours can be tailored to match your specific objectives. Pre- and post-visit materials are available for school use. Planned for typical classroom periods, our video field trips range in length from thirty minutes to one hour. We welcome multiple visits with the same class!

Through your BOCES Distance Learning Service the Coordinators are ready to help your school integrate Virtual field trips in to the students’ learning experiences. Contact information for you BOCES is listed below. For the City of Buffalo Schools, please contact the UB Cate representative, also listed below.

Michael Anderson
Coordinator of Distance Learning
Orleans/Niagara BOCES
4124 Saunders Settlement Road
Sanborn, NY 14132 / Voice: 800-836-7510 x3730
Fax: 716-731-5431
Web Site:
Michael Bayba
Distance Learning Specialist
E2CC BOCES
9520 Fredonia-Stockton Road
Fredonia, NY 14063 / Voice: 716-672-4371 x2069
Fax: 716-672-2393
Web Site:
Rene Carver
Distance Learning Coordinator
GST BOCES
6985 Technology Way
P.O. Box 586
Hornell, NY 14843-0586 / Voice: 607
Web Site:
Sharon Kaiser
Coordinator for Learning Technologies
Genesee Valley BOCES Serv. Cntr.
80 Munson Street
LeRoy, NY 14482 / Voice: 585-344-7920
Fax: 585-344-7924
Web Site:
Timothy Johnson
Distance Learning Instructional Coordinator
Erie 1 BOCES / WNYRIC
355 Harlem Road
West Seneca, NY 14224 / Voice: 716-821-7227
Fax: 716-821-7498
Distance Learning Support Specialist
Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES
1825 Windfall Road
Olean, NY 14760 / Voice: 716-376-8270
Fax: 716-372-0621

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