Virtual Classroom - What it is & How it Works - VRTUZ

A virtual classroom is a tool used for video conferencing where instructors and students engage with each other along with the learning material. The difference between the virtual classroom and other video conferencing tools is that a virtual classroom offers an added set of features that are essential to a learning environment.

A virtual classroom platform helps to make the learning experience interactive and engaging while providing a controlled environment. Along with this, a virtual classroom also offers features that reach beyond the in-class experience. Teachers have access to the classroom before the lesson to prepare for the material. This material and the session recording are available after class, for reference for instructors and participants alike. Students can connect to virtual classroom platforms from any device that has the capability to connect to the Internet. This enhanced flexibility enables students to consume content, regardless of their location across the globe.

Another benefit of virtual classroom software is that it allows the tracking of student progress. Teachers have access to data such as class attendance and student activity. They can also track the progress of students via online polls and analytics, identify areas of difficulty, and help the students learn challenging subject matter with visual tools.

Different Forms of Virtual Classrooms

The different types of virtual classrooms are mentioned below:

Rotational Virtual Classroom

A rotational virtual classroom includes a single subject, which all the students can be a part of. This model is commonly used but falls under blended learning. The students can rotate or stick to a single schedule with or without the discretion of teachers. Most of the time, students rotate during a group discussion.

Fully Virtual Classroom

A fully virtual classroom is a model that targets researching, conceptualizing, and designing. All the schoolwork should be carried out online, hence, it means that students will never meet up with others to have an interactive session. Although, they can communicate through a synchronized virtual classroom app.

Flex Virtual Classroom

A flex virtual classroom is a model that mainly focuses on teaching students who are non-traditional. In this model, instructions as well as learning materials are provided. Teachers are always available and students can come up with new concepts independently. This teaching method offers a flexible environment for learning and students can always leave and attend the classroom anytime they want.

Benefits of virtual classroom

●       Virtual classrooms allow distance learning for students.

A virtual classroom is undoubtedly much easier for students to learn new topics and skills. Online learning also makes it possible for working professionals, people with busy home lives, or with fewer financial resources to learn new skills and grow their knowledge.

●       Virtual classrooms make it easier for teachers to share and monetize training.

Online learning platforms, boot camps, and online degree programs make it possible for institutions and teachers to share and monetize their teaching without traveling to different locations for doing so.

●       Virtual classrooms allow established universities to grow their brand presence.

For institutions and universities that are trying to increase their brand presence and attract more students, offering online courses delivered with the help of virtual classrooms can be a smart way to reach more students who do not belong to their geographic area.

How to choose the best virtual classroom platform?

A virtual classroom platform can help educational institutions provide a positive learning experience to their students. Although, not all solutions are implemented similarly or offer the same learning experience.  A recent survey has found that the majority of students are not quite enjoying the current remote learning experience. Therefore, below mentioned are some key features every virtual classroom software should provide:

●     Easy access: It is important to help students learn course materials. When students are required to install software or download plugins, they can experience some sort of difficulty resulting in a poor learning experience. Therefore, it is important that students should be able to easily connect to digital tools, preferably using just a link and their credentials.

●     A user-friendly interface: It is important to help students use and navigate through digital learning tools in a virtual classroom. When the interface of the platform is simple and intuitive, students can enjoy the classes and relevant learning materials, communicate with instructors, and collaborate with their classmates.

●     Efficient learning: Teachers and content creators are required to add another layer of coordination on top of the interface. Since each course is unique and provides different materials, the system structure should be similar to that of the entire hub, along with being flexible enough to provide unique features according to the subject matter.

●     Security of the content: The security of the content is very crucial for content creators, curators, and consumers. A virtual classroom platform should assist organizations and education institutions to acquire complete control over their content. The platform should also provide built-in security measures, like authentication and access controls that help prevent unauthorized access, usage, and download of educational and sensitive data.

Wrapping Up

The teaching-learning process in educational institutions and colleges has achieved a new level in the online education industry. Virtual classroom platforms have helped them greatly in this transformation and provided new methods to the teaching-learning process.