Virtual field trips (VTF) seek to use technology as a means to approximate the experiential learning that takes place during traditional field trips. Within this context VFTs can take on a variety of forms. The simplest and easiest VTFs consist of little more than pictures and text, perhaps with links to relevant web pages and can be easily created by teachers. (Steele-Carlin, 2008)
Many examples of this kind or VFT can be found at Tramline.
Other VFTs, such as those produced by Ball State University, seek to provide a higher level of interactivity adding a variety of media such as video, interactive media and games, and live interactive sessions with content experts.
At the University of Arkansas, virtual field trips are improving undergraduate education by providing "a cost-effective alternative to field trips and improving learning with results of this project being enhanced learning for students in greenhouse management and controlled environment agriculture” (Evans, M. R., Cavins, T. J., Kuehny, J. S., Harkess, R. L., Greer, R. L.).
Lewis, D. B. (2008). Can virtual field trips be substituted for real-world field trips in an eight grade geology curriculum?. University of Washington. (UMI No. 3303386)
Orion, N. & Hofstein, A. (1994). Factors that influence learning during a scientific field trip in a natural environment. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 31(10), 1097-1119.
Steele-Carlin, S. (2008). Get outta class with virtual field trips. Education World. Retrieved May 13, 2009, from http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech071.shtml
Evans, M. R. (2004-09-01). Virtual Field Trips For Improving Undergraduate Education in Controlled Environment Agriculture. Retrieved May 30, 2009, from United States Department of Agriculture Research, Education & Economics Information System Web site:
http://www.reeis.usda.gov/web/crisprojectpages/200229.html