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There are some things which are too expensive, dangerous, or time-consuming for students to take part in. The Web allows students to observe, and in some cases participate in, activities which would be unavailable to them otherwise.
MayaQuest (http://www.mecc.com/mayaquest.html)
One of the best-known virtual field trip programs, this TLC (The Learning Company) production has a great Web site. Their use of sound throughout the site is somewhat unusual.
Students interact with scientists on bicycles in the Amazon rainforest, suggesting areas of inquiry for the scientists to pursue.
Zero Gravity Training (http://zeta.lerc.nasa.gov/kjenks/kc-135.htm)
Definitely a unique opportunity. NASA has specially outfitted a Boeing 707--the plane flies a series of parabolas. Passengers experience 2G acceleration and deceleration and a zero gravity period at the top of each parabola. Then everyone goes out for chili.
Ann Arbor water field trip (http://www.umich.edu/~aaps/mywater/ecotrip.html)
Not exactly a unique opportunity, but a page which shows what can be done with kids, a video camera, and a web page. This page took about two hours to create, including the video capture. Notice that no students are identifiable from the pictures. One way of thinking about unique opportunities is that kids can provide unique opportunities to others.
Resources which allow students to be active participants seem to have the most potential for learning. MayaQuest facilitates this by allowing students to submit questions and suggest activities for the researchers. One computer classrooms could take part, using the computer as a display station and a post office.
Having students create unique opportunities for others to observe or participate in takes more effort and probably more technology, but having students realize the value of their surroundings to others can be a powerful learning experience.
