"In a digitally-charged learning environment, the key is to turn up the H.E.A.T. on student learning. H.E.A.T. is an acronym that is synonymous with digital-age learning (i.e., 21st Century Skills) and represents Student Output in terms of student:
Higher order thinking,
Engaged learning,
Authentic connections, and
Technology use."
Virtual field trips (VFTs) are alternatives to more costly real-world field trips. In addition to being inexpensive, they are engaging to students becasue they enable students to make connections between themselves and the wide-ranging environments they can explore virtually. They also offer authentic, inquiry-based learning experiences to students.