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Virtual Classroom - A Learning Tool Of Prowess |
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Why choose virtual classroom?
Web based learning cannot rival
conventional classroom training for some very obvious reasons. Since it is
mostly delivered through asynchronous communication methods, it provides thin
scope for interaction among the learners as well as between the learner and the
instructor. It lacks the depth that an instant face to face dialogue can
provide, because synchronous mode of learning is devoid of instant responses and
interaction. In turn, it limits the comprehension of the student, thus reducing
his interest in learning. On the other hand, a virtual classroom rids web based
training of such maladies. It is essentially a cyber classroom, where the
instructor and the learners can converse in real time. Thus, a virtual classroom
tries to simulate in every way it can, the learning platform provided by
conventional classroom, and is quite successful at that. Let us have a look at
how it genuinely enhances the effect of other learning components in the
learning process.
It engenders the sense of community existence among
learners
The synchronous mode of communication in a virtual classroom
allows immediate feedback on queries, and motivational encouragement, which
provides the learners with a sense of belonging to a community. Thus, an
instructor can be personally involved with learners during the course of an
online chat. On the contrary, content is delivered to multiple recipients in a
traditional classroom or asynchronous training mode, making it impersonal.
Virtual classrooms have broken free of this stigma by harnessing technology for
nurturing social interaction, instead of curtailing it. This sense of a group
existence helps students to identify with fellow learners, thus keeping them
glued through the course till its completion without allowing loneliness to
creep in.
It helps assess learning trends among learners
Similar
to a conventional classroom, a virtual classroom provides clues of student’s
performance, interest and activities inside the class. In a traditional
classroom, inattentiveness, restlessness, blank or quizzing expressions, or
fiddling could be signs of student disinterest and lack of involvement in the
course. Likewise, in a virtual classroom, an analysis of the responses and
comments of the participants provide substantial cues to the level of interest
and comprehension among learners. For example, the frequency of comments posted
by a learner or the type of learner queries often gives an insight into the
student involvement. Little wonder then, that virtual classrooms beat other
components of learning - like web pages, email and forum postings, to enjoy the
highest rankings as the most favored tool. And, while all the components
together make the learning process more effective, learning initiatives could do
well by adding more chat discussions to them.
It allows informative
exchange of knowledge
An equal and active participation from both
learner and instructor, and a precise two way instructive communication between
them leads to the fruition of a learning process. Since asynchronous training
leaves the student to flaccidly receive information from the instructor with its
one-time, one-way mode of communication, the information flow is essentially one
sided, at any given time. This is pure under-exploitation of the recourses
thrown up by the developing technology. On the other hand, a virtual classroom
assists in a meaningful, useful and informative exchange of notes between
instructor-learner, and learner-learner.
It allows learning in an
accustomed ambiance
Learning has always been more effective when it
happens in a familiar ambience. The comparatively unidentified existence of
learners in the virtual space is an added comfort factor. The cumulative effect
of this results in an augmented, open and active learner participation in
virtual classroom discussions, which certainly beats that in a traditional one.
Also most learners are averse to speaking in front of an audience. A virtual
classroom removes this hurdle for them, because of which, it has become a
boiling pot of information from different sources and is synonymous with
increased interaction between peers and learner-instructor. Indeed, a
conventional classroom setting could never have dreamed of attaining this.
Simply put, a virtual classroom liberates learners from the shackles of
geographical distance, discriminations, and inhibitions.
It provides an
egalitarian platform for learners
Being devoid of props such as the
dais, stage lights, or the front and back row, the virtual classroom is one step
ahead of its conventional counterpart, in that it provides a leveled platform
for all. There is no raising of hands to answer questions, and learners who
answer are not differentiated from others, since there is no standing up
required to give answers. Apart from this, learners are spared the hassle of
dealing with discrimination on the basis of gender, race, or any physical
constraints. And even though the instructor leads the discussion, he is
recognized from the learners only by his screen name. Each learner too, has a
unique screen name and merit of the learners’ comments and opinions is the only
criterion that separates them from one another. The virtual classroom
practically makes learners lose their fear of teachers - that is a part of the
traditional classroom set-up - although the instructor remains the guiding force
of the whole class.
It allows instructors to experience the joy of
learner ‘Nirvana’
Instructors of online courses often crib about missing
the spark of realization on their students’ face that ensues a thorough
understanding of a concept. But, unlike popular belief, learner nirvana can very
well be experienced in a virtual classroom. The nature of learner responses and
comments often reveals the comprehension levels of a student, allowing the
instructor to enjoy the experience of a learner exactly grabbing the soul of a
concept. The experience of seeing a relatively fresh mind imbibe the essence of
a concept is like being the hand on the potter’s wheel. This is the best award
for their teaching endeavor, not only because it proves the effectiveness of
their teaching method, but also because it displays the perfect camaraderie that
is shared by them.
Epilogue
Even though other components of an
online learning initiative cannot be sidetracked by virtual classrooms,
including more online chat in the courseware explains, improves and strengthens
the concepts that are laid down by other asynchronous components. Obviously, a
web based learning initiative is incomplete without virtual classrooms. |
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