Virtual Field Trips use rich media as a means to support student learning. Ensure you have collected enough media and information to support and sustain a field trip.  

Keep to the timetable as you are coordinating the activities of all classes. Students become disappointed when their work is not recognised on time (eg data is due yet no affirmation given).

Steps

1. Update your VFT site with everything your participants (students and teachers) will need. Ensure you have:

• A challenging and interesting inquiry that is relevant to the year level and curriculum, and achievable in the given time;
• Strong curriculum links and rich Teacher Notes;
• Photos and/or media files in the map gallery to provide interest and background information;
• A timetable that will work providing you opportunites to promote your VFT and set it up properly; and
• Time and enthusiasm to commit to the project to ensure success.

2. Ensure your participants have everything they need: logins, Internet access, timely and relevant information. Email is the best way to communicate however don't be frightened to phone or fax too. Anything that gets the message to the participants on time.

3. Ensure participants know their responsibilities and the timetable of activities.

4. Have a shared understanding with your participants on what is approriate content (including spelling errors), images sizes and parental permissions on images.

5. Keep to your VFT Itinerary. Changes during the project effect the curriculum planning of your participants so be realistic in the timetable and the investigations you have set.

6. If something unpredictable happens, ensure all Partner Teachers know and understand the change that is made and what they need to do.

5. Check your emails and the VFT COP daily by:

• Responding to participant's emails
• Sending emails or responding to participants via the VFT COP to encourage, congratulate and provide information eg when the next report is due. 
• Checking content to ensure it is appropriate. You are in charge, so delete anything that is inappropriate and contact the Partner Teacher immediately. You can change spelling errors too- however you might like to discuss this with your participants first.

6. Include regular online chats and/or forums with participants to build their learning community and special guests or experts. They can provide valuable information to participants to help them respond to their VFT investigations and extend their learnings.

7. Ensure your students are involved in the planning and coordination of the project.

8. Contact the VFT coordinator if you have any queries or need to discuss your ideas.