Virtual-Reality Field Trips: Worth the Investment? (STAAR 2023)

Read the dictionary entry.

substantial \səb-ˈstan(t)-shəl\ adj
1. real; not imaginary 2. strong or firm 3. considerable in quantity 4. important; essential

Which definition of substantial best matches the way the word is used in paragraph 8?

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Definition 3

• Definition 4

Tags

8.2

8.2A

In what way does the information in paragraphs 3 and 4 best support the author’s argument for VR field trips?

• By showing that some schools have been willing to provide the equipment necessary for VR field trips

• By illustrating how VR field trips are better used for some subjects more than others.

• By suggesting that VR technology helps lessen the amount of time students spend watching videos.

• By demonstrating that VR technology allows students to overcome barriers of time and distance.

Tags

8.8

8.8E.i

What can the reader infer about student learning based on the quotation by Corrine Hoisington in paragraph 5?

• It is important for teachers to provide enjoyable reading material for students.

• Being fully involved in an activity helps students retain information.

• Students need to discuss their VR field trips in order to benefit from them.

• Students value VR field trips more than other educational experiences.

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8.5

8.5F

What is a counter argument that the author recognizes in the selection?

• Initial expenses of VR technology may be difficult to afford.

• Students may have trouble using VR technology on their smartphones.

• Parents may not want their children to use VR technology

• VR technology may be challenging for students and teachers to understand.

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8.8

8.8E.ii

What is most likely the author’s purpose for writing this selection?

• To highlight a method of improving student learning through the use of technology

• To investigate the effectiveness of traditional school field trips in modern times.

• To highlight the kinds of topics that can be studied using VR.

• To explain why VR field trips are uncommon in schools today.

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8.9

8.9A

Which audience is the author most likely addressing in the selection?

• Taxpayers who provide money for school.

• Parents concerned about their child's education.

• Teachers responsible for designing lessons.

• School leaders who plan campus budgets.

Tags

8.8

8.8E.iii

What is the best summary of the selection?

• VR field trips can help students understand historical events and the natural world by allowing students to take part in simulations of real-life experiences, which increases students' interest in the topics. Organizations such as NASA are beginning to provide these types of interactive educational experiences.

• VR technology allows students to have lifelike experiences that mimic those in the real world. A VR field trip differs from a video because students feel as though they are actually participating first-hand in the experience. Although some people worry about increasing students' screen time, students find the VR experience interesting.

• VR field trips allow students to have unique, lifelike experiences. Although such trips can be costly, they capture students' interests and enhance their ability to remember information. VR field trips should be used in classrooms because they eliminate travel, time, and safety concerns while making the experience available to more students.

• VR technology allows students to go places that would otherwise be impossible for them to experience through traditional field trips. For example, students could explore the Lincoln Memorial of life on a farm. However, some critics have expressed concerns about the costs of VR technology and the amount of screen time associated with VR field trips.

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8.6

8.6D

Which sentence best supports the idea that virtual-reality field trips provide engaging experiences?

• "Your breath catches in your throat when your eyes land on the large blue plant-Earth." (paragraph 1)

• "A student can take part in the simulated experience through the use of special equipment, like headsets." (paragraph 3)

• "For example, history teachers can use VR to help students understand historic events." (paragraph 4)

• "These trips allow students to experience places they might otherwise never get to visit." (paragraph 1)

Tags

8.6

8.6C