We all have come through a traditional style of learning, primarily classroom learning. Typically in which a teacher teaches throughout the class, any student may ask the question whenever required or the teacher allows. But this is changing now with a new trend of Online Learning. Online learning is a method of learning that uses the Internet as a medium to communicate with the teacher/trainer. This is how Online Virtual Classroom is replacing traditional classrooms.
In Education Technology Landscape you would come across various versions. These versions are proprietary in its own way, but the following 2 are the most commonly used.
1. Self-Paced
The teachings are recorded as a video and available to the students to watch as per their own pace and time. It is one way and the experience is quite monotonous. Due to the lack of interactivity and motivation, the completion rate of self-paced courses is very poor. It could be good for students who are sharp and have a self-study style of learning. The doubts or queries are handled separately at some other time.
2. Virtual Classroom
It is basically an online classroom in which participants are allowed to communicate with one another, view presentations or videos and engage with the teacher/trainer. A virtual classroom allows both learners and instructors around the world to participate in live classes to collaborate and interact. The low costs of virtual classrooms are considered to be a major advantage as it significantly saves the travel costs.
It provides Synchronous learning environment where everyone takes part in the learning at the same time. Online Virtual Classroom is created by using online platforms that enable participants to use both video and audio during the session, you can chat with the participants, raise the hand in case the participant has any doubt, the teacher/trainer can share the screen for presentations or practical demonstrations. It is as good as traditional classroom except the physical classroom is replaced with online medium.
Virtual Classroom is being widely accepted across India because of its benefits and high level of interactivity for all the participants compared to the self-paced mode. However, both would co-exist depending on the requirement of the learners.
