If you are thinking of taking a course or studying
online but you are not sure that this is the right option for you, read on.
Here I explain what a virtual classroom is and what its benefits are.
A virtual classroom is an online learning environment,
in other words it is a class that is received via the Internet and that creates
an adequate space for communication and distance learning.
You can access this learning environment via software
by having to download and run a file on your computer or via the web, which is
the preferred option since you can access the portal from any device at any
time.
In the virtual classroom you can connect with your
classmates and tutors synchronously (live) or asynchronously in which you can
review the contents at the time that is most convenient for you and from your
workstation.
You will use educational technology applications such
as video conferences, videos, presentations, readings, message boards, chats
and forums, among others.
With virtual education you will eliminate many of the
limitations that have prevented you from starting or continuing your education
in traditional settings.
6 Benefits of the virtual classroom:
• There are no
geographic barriers
The virtual classroom gives you access to a large
number of educators and educational establishments around the world. You can
access the best universities and a wide variety of careers not available in
your geographic location.
Virtual education allows students to expose themselves
and share with diverse cultures and overcome traditional communication,
location, time and cost barriers.
• Save of time
and money
You will be able to save time and money by not having
to go to another place, pay for parking, the cost that the institution adds to
the use of facilities and other physical services.
You will save money on material resources such as
notebooks, sheets and prints as the material is available online. In short, you
can do more with less.
• Sessions with
audio and video
There are multiple advantages to receiving virtual
classes and being able to have the learning material in different formats. One
of the main advantages is that if you cannot attend live video conferences you
can listen to the recording.
If you can participate live you will have the
opportunity to interact with your classmates and tutor, exchange ideas and
answer questions. By having audio and video recordings you have the option to
listen to them as many times as necessary.
You will be able to know different learning tools
which also allows you to be more motivated and maintain interest in the
subject. If you have mobile internet you can listen to the recordings on the
way to work or in free time.
• Differentiated
and flexible learning
The virtual classroom is an excellent tool to
differentiate teaching and thus facilitate the learning of diverse students.
I explain to you, the weakest students in some area
can achieve more confidence and self-confidence as they can access the material
as many times as necessary, help themselves with complementary material and
have the support of the tutor and other colleagues who collaboratively support
solving doubts and offering solutions.
For the most advanced student there is the possibility
of extending their learning with complementary material and web tools.
In the virtual classroom you can personalize your
education, actively participate and take ownership of your learning process,
easily being aware of your own progress and thought processes. (metacognition).
A student in a virtual classroom can make as much
progress as they want with the support of the tutor and peers. The tutor
supports you to become a lifelong learner who builds his own learning.
•
Continuous
feedback
Tutors are available to give you continuous feedback
about your doubts, your work and your performance.
In the virtual classroom, the tutor is available live
during video conferences and almost all the time through email, chats or
forums.
The online tutor will indicate how long or at what
time he will be available to communicate with you. Technology favors group cohesion and
peer support.
• Responsibility
for learning
Technology favors the organization and classification
of documents and their availability. You can access them 24/7 as many times as
you want and they are easy to locate.
Classes include supplementary material and options of
tools and suggestions with which you can extend your learning.
Students who have had problems with the organization
of their learning can find in the virtual classroom new forms and tools that
facilitate their style and preference, from games, video, audio and stories to
traditional reading texts.
You can be more aware of your own learning process,
your progress and your needs and be the one who decides how far you want to go.
The virtual classroom overcomes the barriers of time,
distance and money, if you have a good internet service and want to continue
your learning,
Do not wait more! there is a high probability that
this will become your favorite learning modality.
