Teachers’ perceptions of utilizing virtual field trips for teaching STEAM

Overview & Synopsis

This study aims to reveal teachers' perceptions of using VFT environments in STEAM teaching. The study's sample consists of 11 mathematics teachers who are graduate students at a state university. In this study, designed as a case study, data is collected with semi-structured interview questions developed by the researchers, participants' reflections, and classroom observations. As a result of data analysis, teachers' perceptions are discussed under four categories: usability of VFT in teaching STEAM, influences on learning, instructional strategies, and factors affecting choosing VFT. Participants perceive the strengths of using VFT environments as being able to experience real-life situations in the classroom, facilitating the integration of STEAM disciplines, and flexibility/ease of access. On the contrary, they perceive their weaknesses as having a membership fee, language problems, and finding the appropriate VFT to integrate STEAM disciplines.