13.Virtual Classrooms

 A virtual classroom is an online teaching-learning environment where the teachers and students can present course materials, engage with other members and to work in groups together. Hsu, Marques,  Khalid Hamza and Alhalabi (1999) defined the virtual classroom as a system that  provides  the same opportunities for the teaching and learning process, beyond the physical limits of the traditional classroom walls (Hsu et.al., 1999).

 It is an online learning platform which provides space for synchronous learning which involves live interaction between the tutors and the learners. Synchronous learning helps the learner in multiple ways by addressing the learner needs in immediate effect. Usually, these interactions take place through videoconferencing applications that allows multiple users to be connected at the same time through the Internet, which allows users from virtually anywhere to participate. Moreover, the whole classroom session can be recorded and made available for review afterwards. Virtual classrooms are a place for open discussions and active learning. Features like a digital whiteboard, breakout rooms, screen sharing, file annotations, video playback, and quizzing all contribute to getting learners active in their learning.

 The creation of the virtual classroom has made it possible for learners to harness the features of the Internet to create meaningful and constructivist learning environments. (Gabriel, 2004)

 The participants have tools to present  learning content in different formats, as well as to implement collaborative and individual activities. In this online learning space, the teachers play an important role of a moderator by supporting the learning process and by assisting the learners in their need. A virtual classroom  is      also     known            as        a          Virtual           Learning        Environment  (VLE).

 The most common tools in a virtual classroom are:

Videoconferencing

Online whiteboard for real-time collaboration

Instant messaging tool

Participation controls

Breakout rooms

Virtual Classroom requirements

Virtual Classroom’s high Interactivity

Collaborative Learning

Student-Centred Instruction

Variety          of         Content          Presentation and     Learning Activities

   

Benefits of Virtual Classrooms

 Enables distance learning for students.

Makes it easier for  the      instructors     to share  learning  resources.

Abundance opportunities

Instant feedback

Direct teacher-student interaction

 

Advantages

Students are not limited to the courses available in their geography.

Enables interactive learning.

Psychologically Safe Environment

Positive and Constructive Feedback

Learner centred content and features

Globally connected student groups

Mobile friendly interfaces with on-the-go learning.

Access to coursework from anywhere at any time

Combination of structure and freedom

Effective time management

Expanded world view

Asynchronous discussions with classmates

More flexible

Time saving

Increased convenience

Sharpen digital skills

Affordable

Immediate tests and exam results

Easily track student progress

 

Disadvantages

It is limited by the technological capacity of the student; those with slower hardware or Internet speeds are at a disadvantage.

Infrastructural challenges

Extra training

Lack of social and emotional skills

Physical activity is compromised

Effects of excess screen time on students

Reduced        personal        interaction    between        teacher and students.

  

-Submitted  by Ms.Thara. S. Das