The Virtual Classroom

What is a Virtual Classroom?

A Virtual Classroom is an online classroom that allows participants to communicate with one another, view presentations or videos, interact with other participants, and engage with resources in work groups.

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What is the real aim of the Virtual Classroom?

The real aim of the Virtual Classroom is not to replace the traditional classroom because the technology is advancing, but to offer a more interactive and collaborative learning environment. 

What are the typical elements of the Virtual Classroom?

The Virtual Classroom typically include some or all of the following elements:

Text Chat - People can type what they would like others to see in real time.

Shared Whiteboard - A blank screen where people can share information, write comments, and draw pictures in real time.

Presentation Capability - Teachers have multiple options for presentation content from audio/video/multimedia lectures, to self guided power points.

Audio - People can share information with a microphone and speakers.

Polling or Survey Tools - The ablility to take a survey and publish the results possibly on the white board.

Break-Out Rooms - A way of breaking the session into or more sub rooms where listeners can listen to a guest speaker, ask questions, or just interact in a smaller setting.

Web Tours - Using tools included in many virtual classroom programs people can be taken on a virtual tour of a webpage or project through sharing of a program.