Because virtual field trips make extensive use of the Internet, they include many hyperlinks. You will find it easier to publish and present your virtual field trip electronically so that students are not typing in long or nonsensical website addresses.
Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, HyperStudio, Inspiration, and websites (created in HTML, Dreamweaver, FrontPage, etc.) are all software tools that allow you to create live hyperlinks. This means that when students click on the link, they are automatically taken to that website. Newer versions (1998 or younger) of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, HyperStudio, and Inspiration will automatically write the link if you begin the web address with "http://."
You can load the virtual field trip document on each of the student computers and your class can explore the field trip that way.
Adding Images to your Virtual Field Trip: If you would like to include images in your virtual field trip document, it is very easy to copy them from a webpage. Follow these directions:
You may also create a folder in your web browser's Bookmarks or Favorites. Add each of the websites you need for your virtual field trip. When it is time to use the sites with students, open the Bookmarks or Favorites from the menu and then double click on the correct folder.
There are also a few websites that provide a built-in way to create a virtual field trip.
Trackstar
http://trackstar.4teachers.org/trackstar/index.jsp
Trackstar provides an easy way of creating annotated Web lists. See how one teacher used Trackstar to create a virtual field trip. Click on "View in Frames" to browse the trip.Web Woksheet Wizard
http://wizard.4teachers.org/
This is a tool offered by 4teachers.org to create simple web pages within minutes.
The State of Utah Resources Web
http://www.surweb.org
This is a free Web service that allows teachers to create their own Internet field trips called "Media Shows." To use this site, please follow the directions below:Creating your Virtual Field Trip on SURWEB
Getting Started with SURWEB
1. Navigate to http://www.surweb.org
(Note: Check to see if you have pop up blocker on your browser. If so, you will need to disable the pop-up blocker to use the Surweb site.)
2. At the bottom of the screen, click on "Get a Virtual Locker Number." You may need to scroll down slightly to find the link.
3. Complete the registration and be sure to write down your locker number. Click "Yes, I wrote it down."
4. In the Media Shows area, click "Create."
5. A new window will open with three choices of locations to choose pictures for your Media Show. You can select pictures from Surweb media collections or from the Internet, or you can upload your own pictures.
(If you would like to view the tutorial, minimize this window and click "Tutorial" in the navigation bar across the top of the Media Show window.)
1. Gathering Pictures and Creating Quick Shows
Your first task is to gather pictures for your Media Show. As an example, let's imagine that we want to create a virtual field trip about the Anasazi Indians using the Surweb Media Collections. Click "Image Collections," and "Jump to page" 2.
a. On Page 2, select "Anasazi - Utah's Mystery People." Click the main image to enter the collection.
b. At the top of the window, click the link "Image & Text". You'll see that each image comes with prepared text. Browse through the pictures.
c. For each picture you think you would like to use in your media show, click "Use in my show" above the image.
d. When you select a picture, you'll notice that at the top of the page a number appears next to the link "View Media Basket". At any time you can click this link to see the pictures you have selected.
e. Click that link now. On the next page you'll see a choice to create a Quick Show or a Customized Show. For this activity, we'll use only the Quick Show.
f. Click "Get More Stuff" to return to the picture area. Select Image Collections again and select more pictures
g. Once you have selected all the pictures you'd like to use, click "View Media Basket".
h. Click "Quick Show". You have several options on this page. Decide whether to edit, or to empty the basket and start over. Or you can trash individual pictures. Once you have finished, click "Save". You'll be prompted for your locker number and your password. Give your show a name.
2. Gathering pictures from the Internet
a. After you save your show, click "Get More Stuff".
b. On the Media Basket screen, click "The Internet".
c. Two windows will open - One is a Surweb window for you to provide the location of the picture, which we'll do in a minute. Also, a search window will open. Select a search engine and type in key words, including the word "image". For this show, you can type in "Anasazi image" without the quotation marks.
d. When you find a picture you want to use, you'll need to locate the URL of the actual image.
i. On a PC, right click the picture. A menu will pop up.
ii. Scroll to the bottom and select "Properties" (or in Netscape "Copy Image Location")
iii. A new "Properties window will open.
iv. Look for the Address (URL) and copy the URL by highlighting and copying the address.
v. On a MAC. simply "click-n-hold" your mouse button over the image/sound you wish to "copy." The only option you can use in the MAC version of IE is "Open Image in New window". Highlight the Address: line & "Copy" this address by any method you know.
vi. On the Surweb window that says "What is the http:// address of your data", paste in the URL you just copied.
vii. Below that you can add text to go with the picture.
viii. Click "Use in My Show" and you'll notice that the media basket number has increased.
ix. Click on "Media Basket" and save your show by clicking "Quick Show and Save."3. Creating a show using your own photographs or images.
Since you may not have your own pictures of the Anasazi, let's create a new show using your own pictures.
a. Empty your media basket to start a new show.
b. On the new screen, click "Upload Your Own".
c. On the next screen, click "Browse" to find the picture you want to upload.
d. On the next screen, navigation to the location on your computer where you saved the picture you want to use.
e. Click on the name of the picture, and the file name will appear in the Filename window.
f. Type in a description of your picture.
g. Click "Upload".
h. On the next screen, click "Get More Stuff" and continue uploading pictures and text until you have uploaded all you need.
i. Click "Quick Show" and edit your show.
j. When you have finished, click "Save" , again filling in your locker name, password and Media Show Name.
4. Viewing your Media Shows
To see your shows, you can click the link "My Shows" at the top of the screen. To see your shows when you first arrive at the Surweb website, click "View" in the Media Shows area and then "My Shows."
Remember that the Tutorial will provide additional information, including screen shots to help you create your own Virtual Tours using Surweb.