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October 12, 2008 7:20:37 AM CDT

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As Gas Prices Rise, Field Trips Go Virtual

Posted Jun 7, 08 2:08 PM CDT in Arts & Living,  Technology 

(Newser) – More school buses are being left in park these days, thanks to rising fuel prices and technology that lets students go on “virtual field trips.” “If you can’t go somewhere, this can be the next best thing,” said one administrator, as schools enjoy low teleconferencing costs and help from institutions ranging from NASA to the Bronx Zoo.

More than 1 million students have participated, chatting with Great Barrier Reef divers and practicing Spanish with Costa Rican kids. But one expert insists the virtual trips should be used only to supplement traditional outings for students: “What they need most is the hands-dirty, feet-wet experience in nature," he said.

Source Christian Science Monitor

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Rising fuel prices are forcing many schools to look for other options to provide students with unique learning opportunities.   (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Robbie Sutton, a North Carolina school employee, fills a bus with diesel fuel at Southern Nash High School in Bailey, N.C.   (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
"Virtual field trips" are gaining in popularity. "If you can't go somewhere, this can be the next best thing," said one administrator.   (Index Stock)
As of last month, more than 1,125,000 students have participated in virtual field trips organized through one group alone.   (Index Stock)
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