They viewed several
videos and then maneuvered their way through the many links of
the site. Learners viewed the floor plans of the Ellis Island
facility and examined pictures of places such as the stairs of
separation, the sleeping quarters, examination rooms, and eating
areas. I watched as my grade six preteens experienced the emotions
surrounding the significance of the "kissing post",
a place in Ellis Island recognized for its emotional reunions
between children, parents and spouses as they reconnected with
each other after being separated for years. This was the point
that students began their writing assignment. The quality of writing
that resulted was beyond what I expected. It was evident from
their words that they had actually been to Ellis Island even if
it was virtually. Not just in a casual, detached way, but in an
emotionally connected way. Their virtual fieldtrip to Ellis Island
had tapped into their emotions. Virtual fieldtrips, fieldtrips
that are carried out by a computer simulation, are prime tools
for supporting these types of learning expeditions. Here are a
few examples of my students' writing:
"I have just arrived at Ellis Island after an exhausting
boat ride across the Atlantic Ocean. I am going to an examination.
It is very crowded. I'll have to wait in line for a long time.
I am scared because I don't know any of these people and I'm also
by myself, waiting to see my husband who came to America before
me. I hope they will let me in! I'm afraid they won't because
of my color of skin. I'm happy and excited to see my husband.
I feel very different, like I'm not in my own country, which I'm
not. I am now in the examination. I feel gross because someone
is examining me that I don't even know! He looks scary to me because
he has big glasses. Finally the man said I could be let into the
country. I walk to some doors to a place called the "Kissing
Post" and finally right there and then I see my husband!
I ran to him and hugged and kissed him. I was so happy!"
"I was waiting for my son to come down the stairs and
meet me at the "Kissing Post". It seemed like days as
I waited, then I heard a voice shouting, "Mommy, Mommy!"
It was at that movement I realized that my son was home! I laughed
and cried. Then I scooped him up. I twirled him around laughing.
MY SON WAS HERE!!"
