Virtual Classroom - A Learning Tool Of Prowess

Why choose virtual classroom?hand, a virtual classroom assists in a meaningful,
Web based learning cannot rival conventionaluseful and informative exchange of notes
classroom training for some very obviousbetween instructor-learner, and learner-learner.
reasons. Since it is mostly delivered throughIt allows learning in an accustomed ambiance
asynchronous communication methods, it providesLearning has always been more effective when it
thin scope for interaction among the learners ashappens in a familiar ambience. The comparatively
well as between the learner and the instructor. Itunidentified existence of learners in the virtual
lacks the depth that an instant face to facespace is an added comfort factor. The cumulative
dialogue can provide, because synchronous modeeffect of this results in an augmented, open and
of learning is devoid of instant responses andactive learner participation in virtual classroom
interaction. In turn, it limits the comprehension ofdiscussions, which certainly beats that in a
the student, thus reducing his interest in learning.traditional one. Also most learners are averse to
On the other hand, a virtual classroom rids webspeaking in front of an audience. A virtual
based training of such maladies. It is essentially aclassroom removes this hurdle for them, because
cyber classroom, where the instructor and theof which, it has become a boiling pot of
learners can converse in real time. Thus, a virtualinformation from different sources and is
classroom tries to simulate in every way it can,synonymous with increased interaction between
the learning platform provided by conventionalpeers and learner-instructor. Indeed, a
classroom, and is quite successful at that. Let usconventional classroom setting could never have
have a look at how it genuinely enhances thedreamed of attaining this. Simply put, a virtual
effect of other learning components in theclassroom liberates learners from the shackles of
learning process.geographical distance, discriminations, and
It engenders the sense of community existenceinhibitions.
among learnersIt provides an egalitarian platform for learners
The synchronous mode of communication in aBeing devoid of props such as the dais, stage
virtual classroom allows immediate feedback onlights, or the front and back row, the virtual
queries, and motivational encouragement, whichclassroom is one step ahead of its conventional
provides the learners with a sense of belonging tocounterpart, in that it provides a leveled platform
a community. Thus, an instructor can befor all. There is no raising of hands to answer
personally involved with learners during the coursequestions, and learners who answer are not
of an online chat. On the contrary, content isdifferentiated from others, since there is no
delivered to multiple recipients in a traditionalstanding up required to give answers. Apart from
classroom or asynchronous training mode, makingthis, learners are spared the hassle of dealing with
it impersonal. Virtual classrooms have broken freediscrimination on the basis of gender, race, or any
of this stigma by harnessing technology forphysical constraints. And even though the
nurturing social interaction, instead of curtailing it.instructor leads the discussion, he is recognized
This sense of a group existence helps students tofrom the learners only by his screen name. Each
identify with fellow learners, thus keeping themlearner too, has a unique screen name and merit
glued through the course till its completion withoutof the learners' comments and opinions is the only
allowing loneliness to creep in.criterion that separates them from one another.
It helps assess learning trends among learnersThe virtual classroom practically makes learners
Similar to a conventional classroom, a virtuallose their fear of teachers - that is a part of the
classroom provides clues of student'straditional classroom set-up - although the
performance, interest and activities inside theinstructor remains the guiding force of the whole
class. In a traditional classroom, inattentiveness,class.
restlessness, blank or quizzing expressions, orIt allows instructors to experience the joy of
fiddling could be signs of student disinterest andlearner 'Nirvana'
lack of involvement in the course. Likewise, in aInstructors of online courses often crib about
virtual classroom, an analysis of the responsesmissing the spark of realization on their students'
and comments of the participants provideface that ensues a thorough understanding of a
substantial cues to the level of interest andconcept. But, unlike popular belief, learner nirvana
comprehension among learners. For example, thecan very well be experienced in a virtual
frequency of comments posted by a learner orclassroom. The nature of learner responses and
the type of learner queries often gives an insightcomments often reveals the comprehension
into the student involvement. Little wonder then,levels of a student, allowing the instructor to
that virtual classrooms beat other components ofenjoy the experience of a learner exactly
learning - like web pages, email and forumgrabbing the soul of a concept. The experience of
postings, to enjoy the highest rankings as theseeing a relatively fresh mind imbibe the essence
most favored tool. And, while all the componentsof a concept is like being the hand on the potter's
together make the learning process morewheel. This is the best award for their teaching
effective, learning initiatives could do well byendeavor, not only because it proves the
adding more chat discussions to them.effectiveness of their teaching method, but also
It allows informative exchange of knowledgebecause it displays the perfect camaraderie that
An equal and active participation from both learneris shared by them.
and instructor, and a precise two way instructiveEpilogue
communication between them leads to the fruitionEven though other components of an online
of a learning process. Since asynchronous traininglearning initiative cannot be sidetracked by virtual
leaves the student to flaccidly receive informationclassrooms, including more online chat in the
from the instructor with its one-time, one-waycourseware explains, improves and strengthens
mode of communication, the information flow isthe concepts that are laid down by other
essentially one sided, at any given time. This isasynchronous components. Obviously, a web
pure under-exploitation of the recourses thrownbased learning initiative is incomplete without virtual
up by the developing technology. On the otherclassrooms.