5 Tools to Create Virtual Field Trips

Interested in trying a virtual field trip with your students? Check out 5 tools to create virtual field trips, pros/cons to each one, things to consider when picking a tool, and of course, my recommendation! Virtual field trips don’t have to be complicated, so let’s talk through step one together – picking which platform to use!

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5 Tools to Create Virtual Field Trips

Here are some options:

1. Google Slides
2. PowerPoint
3. Google My Maps
4. Google Earth
5. Thinglink

Each of these tools have their pros and cons, and there are a few things to consider, so let’s talk about them a little more.

Choosing the Best Tool for your Virtual Field Trip

Now that we’ve talked about those tools, let’s talk about how to pick the best tool for your classroom. Here are some things to consider:

• Student device capabilities
• District allowed access
• Cost
• Ease of use for you

When you consider each of these categories, everyone will have their own favorites for tools. For example, if you’re a Microsoft school district, you’re more likely to use Powerpoint than any of the Google tools I have listed!

Another thing to consider is that if your district doesn’t even allow access to tool, you probably won’t choose it. If you have to fund it out of your own pocket, you might choose a free option instead. And, finally, if you’re feeling a lot of tech overwhelm, it’s probably best to stick with a tool you’re familiar with, over a brand new site to learn!

The Best Tool for Creating Virtual Field Trips

Like I said, everyone will have their own favorites. My personal pick every time is Google My Maps! This is because it’s free, easy to use, within the Google Suite, and has a little more *wow* factor than Google Slides, which we tend to use almost daily. It’s also not so fancy that the student devices can’t keep up with it, which is something I’ve experienced with Google Earth.

Example Virtual Field Trip Using Google My Maps

If you’d like to grab a free virtual field trip to use with your Spanish classes, sign up below to grab a trip to the Dominican Republic!

What to Keep in Mind Before You Build

Once you’ve picked your platform, it is super tempting to jump right in and start clicking away. But before you build anything, take a second to think about your end goal. What do you want your students to walk away with? Are you focusing on cultural knowledge, vocabulary exposure, or just sparking curiosity? Starting with the end in mind makes the rest of the process so much easier.

Also, think about how much time you want this activity to take. Is this a one-day intro or something you’ll revisit across a unit? The answer will help you decide how many stops to add, how much media to include, and whether or not you want to build in comprehension tasks or follow-up activities.

How to Make Any Tool Work for You

No matter which platform you choose, it is really all about how you use it. A simple Google Slide with a few images and links can still be exciting if the content is thoughtful. A full Google My Maps tour can fall flat if it is overloaded or too text-heavy. Keep things light, visual, and easy to explore.

One tip I always share is to build the virtual field trip just like you’d plan a regular field trip. Give students a little freedom, a little structure, and something they can reflect on when they are done. You can even tie it to speaking or writing activities later in the week.

Remember, this is your classroom and your trip. Pick the tool that feels right for you, then have fun with it. Whether your students are exploring a bustling city plaza or a quiet coastal town, they will remember the experience you created.

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