Teachers need to be active participants in online projects for the project to have successful outcomes for their students. Activities include:

• regularly checking the VFT site,
• checking and responding to your emails daily,
• sharing your students work with other partipants,
  (eg post regular reports, data and findings to the VFT COP)
• engaging your students in discussions and activities, and
• taking part in online chats and forums.

Students become very creative in a Virtual Field Trip and usually show great interest in using media to explain their findings. Share the learning journey with them and explore all their questions and wonderings.

Steps

1. When you receive your VFT approval (you have a password), visit the site with your students and ensure your details are up to date. Those details are seen by other participants and people who visit the site.

2. Print off the Project activities and inquiry and the timelines. Display and discuss a plan with your students on how you will achieve the project goals.

3. Check your Curriculum planning and timetable to book Internet access.
Ensure your students have the skills (eg using chat through the Learning Place) and logins to use the site. If you require more student logins contact the VFT Owner Teacher (although it's easier if students share a login - even in groups).

4. If you are able to explore an area physically then share your findings. You could contact schools close to the Virtual Field Trip area and ask them to help you with your data collection.

5. Make sure you value add to the learning program where ever possible.