Videoconferencing Resource Center


There are many definitions for the term Electronic Field Trip. The term has become a sort of generic description of a learning experience involving the outside world without leaving the school environment. This can be an interactive two-way videoconference, a one-way live television program, a video tape, or even a website. When speaking in terms of videoconferencing, an electronic field trip is a live event where students in a school environment interact with a facilitator or group at an off-campus site through video and audio. What makes this different from the generic definition of a videoconference is that the origination site and the resources at that site, beyond simply the presenter, are of great relevance to the content. For example, a zoo may have the technology to show live animal interaction (such as feeding the tigers) which could not be possible live outside of the zoo. Electronic Field Trips are also specific to classroom interaction with students. Professional Development is rarely labeled as an Electronic Field Trip.


The introduction of the Michigan High School Graduation requirements includes an Online Experience, that many have interpreted as including an Electronic Field Trip. This is mainly derived from the definition section of the Michigan Merit Curriculum Guidelines: Online Experience document, which reads: “It is encouraged that teachers will incorporate the Michigan Curriculum Framework, Standards for Teaching and Learning; higher order thinking, deep knowledge, substantive conversation, and connections to the world beyond the classroom, into the experience...” and continues in the Online Learning Experience section that “...authentic experiences through online fieldtrips by bringing the community into the school/classroom...” is an example of “...opportunities to fulfill the online learning experience.”


1. First you'll need access to a Videoconferencing unit. Some schools in Wayne County are equipped with this equipment, and Wayne RESA may be able to provide that equipment if necessary. Contact us first and we'll help. 2. Make sure you have high-speed internet. Videoconferencing takes up much more of your internet pipeline than mp3 music and e-mail. 3. Find an Event to join. There are many opportunities available, and we’ve found a number of them you may be interested in. You can browse them by clicking the “Browse Upcoming Events” button in the left navigation area. Hear of an event we don’t have listed? Contact us and we’ll see what we can do for you. 4. Secure funding. Some events are free, but the content providers may charge a fee for usage and/or materials. Fees are listed with the event information, and they (usually) are pretty reasonable. NOTE: Wayne RESA does not charge for its role in helping with your conference. 5. Acquire event materials and schedule facilities. Follow steps the event originator supplies in getting your materials. Also, you'll need to reserve the facility you will be viewing the conference at, eve if it is your own school. Location will also be influenced by technology limitations. We'll help with that as part of step 1.