A TECHNOLOGIC TRIP: Google+ recently launched Connected Classrooms, an initiative through which schools can embark on "virtual field trips" with institutions like the Seattle Aquarium and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. These Google hangout "field trips" take place at scheduled times, and teachers interested in joining one can check out Google's trip calendar here (field trips can take place on any day of the week, including Sundays). The calendar also houses past virtual field trip hangouts that teachers can watch with their classrooms at any time.
In addition to organizing trips on a calendar, Connected Classrooms provides teachers with a way to collectively work on lesson plans for inside and outside the classroom. Teachers can also join the Google+ Community page for Connected Classrooms; there, they can collaborate on future trips and establish contacts with other interested educators.
In order to support future trips, Google offers regular Connected Classrooms training sessions, where teachers can learn how to get the most out of Google+ from Google Certified Teachers and the Google+ team.
Sign up here for more information and to get updates from the Connected Classrooms team.
