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"Virtual field trips allow us to take our students on adventures we never thought possible. We can take our students under the ocean, across the globe and even into space. But sometimes finding the right virtual field trip, or even finding a virtual field trip at all, can be time consuming. That's why we put together this growing database of virtual field trips you can take with your class!"

"Virtual field trips can give students a bit of the "field trip experience" without the need for funding, permission slips, and chaperones."

Field trips generally venture only as far afield as the local heritage village, where you're likely to catch pilgrim 'Ezekial' behind the butter churning hut sneaking a modern-day cigarette. Google wants to offer a more far-reaching experience, with a new Connected Classrooms initiative that lets classes take "virtual field trips" using Google+ Hangouts. So instead of learning about pioneer times from a local drama student who has to keep the goat stables clean in addition to infotaining the kids, you'll check out the Seattle Aquarium, Minnesota Zoo or the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Google says that teachers already employ its social network in classrooms, but the Connected Classrooms program is designed to make it easier for more of them to do so. It offers not only those virtual excursions mentioned above (along with a number of other destinations), but also provides teachers a chance to work together on class plans and learning experiences for use both in the classroom and out.

"Tour Creator makes it easy to build immersive, 360° tours right from your computer"