Virtual Field Trips as the Focus of the Early Years Curriculum

Abstract

The concept and implementation of field trips have been a source of motivation and experiential learning for students of all ages. Field trips served as a hallmark feature of early childhood curriculum, and a way for young learners to access content across all topics and subjects. Traditionally, a field trip, whether in-person or virtual, has been considered a support to a lesson or unit of study. The contemporary emphasis on remote learning has created an opportunity for virtual field trips to become the source rather than a feature of a curriculum for young learners. This chapter will address (1) the educational implications of virtual field trips, (2) virtual field trips as a dominant feature in early childhood curriculum, and (3) the use of virtual field trips as a method of providing equity and access for all learners. Questions related to why virtual field trips are significant and how early childhood curriculum can be redesigned around virtual trips are addressed.