Time to Explore!

It's time to explore, with Google Expeditions! In the fall a fellow educator approached me about finding virtual field trips for learners.  When learners are introduced to new information what a wonderful experience to be able to see with our own eyes.  While I was growing up I was very fortunate to be exposed to so many different experiences through travel.  When I lived in Colorado my family and I made frequent trips to various towns in the mountains.  I had been learning about Colorado history and it was exciting to connect my classroom learning to tangible sites.  We frequently went to all kinds of museums because of the easy access in our area.  It made such an impression on me.  I remember being in high school, going to San Antonio, walking around a shopping center and the next thing I know I'm standing in front of the Alamo!  The image I had created in my head of the Alamo on the Texas plains was nothing like how it looks today!

Not everyone has the opportunity to travel and make these kinds of connections.  Or, do they?  The more I looked and listened to how other educators were using Google Expeditions I was ready to start!  I was familiar with Google Cardboard.  I had heard about Google Lit Trips several years ago.  I had even played with the Google Earth app.  So how could we use resources we already have to help learners experience new places.  I started researching Expeditions.  By downloading a free app learners could have exposure to places they have never seen.  Yes!!

Now, where to begin?  I was able to show a few educators the potential of Expeditions through one on one conversations.  I then asked a small group of learners to explore with me to try it out.  I was also able to work with a few of my co-workers to explore some more.  There was a lot of excitement, but where could I find the right fit for curriculum and exploring?  Timing is everything!  I was working with a few English Language Arts educators when the conversation turned to the next novel their class would be reading.  Chasing Lincolns Killer by James L. Swanson.  Well, there just happens to be an Expedition of The Lincoln Assassination at Ford's Theatre.  Perfect!

Before we began exploring, certain expectations were set.  Our objective: to have fun and explore, in a controlled environment!

The learners had read the first couple of chapters of the book setting up the events leading up to the assassination of President Lincoln.   Now to see what it really looked like!  We launched the guide and were off!  The "ooh" and "ahh" while going through the theatre filled the room.  To see the distance Booth had jumped from the Presidential box where Lincoln had been shot.  To see the flags draped around the Presidential box that had been put in place only hours before President Lincoln arrived.  Wow!  Amazing!  There was one learner who had travelled to Washington D.C. last summer and had gone to Ford's Theatre.  He said it was just like he remembered it.  Yes!  Our objective was met!  For another group, the Expedition was more meaningful to explore before reading the chapter.  Establishing a scheme provided a better understanding when reading the novel.  

It was a great experience for everyone!  Now, where can where will we go next?