Virtual Field Trips does not require any training themselves to use the products that they offer. However, if someone is not versed in using technology, that is where the training will lie. Training will be conducted on the idea if someone does not yet know how to look up a video or how to narrow down a search for certain content. The trainings will also have to be done on a case by case basis depending on the type of support that the teachers need. For example, if a group of teachers need support with creating an account, that is where my main focus of training will be on is to help them create an account. If other teachers need support with finding the correct content for their curriculum or to see where the standards for each state are, that is where my focus on training will be on.
Rollout for the website Virtual Field Trips is a simple one. Since there is not many different training opportunities for this platform, rollout with fellow staff members will be broken down into a few simple steps:
Training will begin by introducing the platform as a whole to the school staff. I will discuss the idea of field trips, all the paperwork that has to go into planning one, what types of phone calls need to be made, etc. From this point, I have gained the attention of many and will introduce the idea of virtual field trips. This opportunity will show teachers that they will never have to leave their classroom again and it will be easy to do. I will then show the website of vitrualfieldtrips.org to the staff and discuss the benefits of using virtual instead of in person field trips. I am not discouraging real field trips, but offering a opportunity for teachers to take trips that they might not be able to take normally during the school year with students. I will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the platform to the staff. I will also demonstrate how to explore the different videos that are available on the platform to use by grade level. Once that is demonstrated, the last information that I will mention is that the platform is not free and will cost a fee. I will encourage teachers to explore the videos first to see if they are something that they want to buy on an individual basis, but be prepared to pay a fee if a video is liked and wanted.
For any teachers that need further support with exploring the platform, I will offer individual and/or group trainings on what each teacher(s) need. This can be through choosing the right membership for them, exploring price points, helping others to narrow down their search of content, and so forth.
Teachers are always encouraged to explore platforms on their own, but I am always available to answer any questions that they may have.