Howdy, Edulize Readers!
Do you know, now you can attend your class from a coffee shop, a beach, or straight from your bedroom? That’s because of advanced technology that has made everything digital and, yes, it has converted classrooms into online Zoom rooms.
Now, each classroom interaction is in your hands, which you can accommodate to learn, and teachers can provide instructions.
How? That’s not rocket science. If you have a little bit of digital literacy, then you will be able to create a virtual classroom for your students and give them instructions.
Wanna know how? What tools do you know? If so, then continue reading because I’ve compiled a guide on what a virtual classroom is and how you can create one with every aspect taking into consideration.
So, Let’s Get Going!
What is a Virtual Classroom? Future of Learning
A virtual classroom is an online learning space where teachers create a positive learning environment for students to provide better learning experiences.
Similar to a traditional classroom, an online virtual classroom allows teachers and students to interact with each other in real-time. Although it is way ahead of the time curve, it’s all about interactive whiteboards, video conferencing, and shared learning documents.
When surveyed, 70% of students reported that online education is better than traditional schooling because it provides flexibility and personalization. Stats showcase a positive shift to technology, especially in education, which is good for students.
How Does Virtual Classroom Work? Working Model of Modern Learning
A virtual classroom setup works smoothly, as teachers create a virtual room for students and invite students to interact and start learning.
Here is a complete breakdown of a virtual classroom working model:
- Create a Virtual Classroom
- Invite Students
- Integrate LMS With Virtual Classroom
- Engage Students
- Discipline, Discipline, Discipline
Firstly, teachers need to create a virtual classroom for an online, real-time interaction with students by using video conferencing tools.
This approach allows you to conduct live lectures, visual explanations, and face-to-face discussions, all from remote locations.
Now, it’s time to invite your students to start the learning process in a healthy and positive learning space.
This systematic technique will allow only your students to join the class and not a random person who has nothing to do with the class.
Learning Management System (LMS) technology helps you upload and keep track of your educational sources for students, including their assessments.
This can be a software-based model, like RSM and Hac Frisco, or possibly a web-based model, like Wake ID and JoinPD.
As online classes come with distractions; therefore, you need to keep students engaged with the learning process with several gamification factors.
In this process, you can take assistance from gamified learning platforms to keep them entertained and informed at the same time.
Lastly, you can’t teach and students won’t learn if you don’t include classroom rules and classroom management techniques.
That’s why you need to include such strategies to handle your classroom environment and provide them with a positive learning environment.
How to Create a Virtual Classroom? From Scratch to Screen
Here is the complete guide on how you can create a virtual classroom to start a more productive and engaging class.
Firstly, you need to choose the right, the best virtual classroom software to create the base for your online learning experience.
You can go for Google Classroom, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams to get your classes online for a better and engaging study environment.
Now, it’s time to set up virtual classroom environment to keep your obedient students in discipline and good students in reward.
That’s the best time for you to decide what rules you want to implement in your class and what outcomes you want to achieve for students.
Digital literacy is necessary – what if your students don’t know how to join classes on time, and what to do when they leave the class, unfortunately?
All these questions have a single, but effective answer, which is virtual classroom training sessions. Just conduct training sessions and let them know what to do.
Here comes the most important thing to consider, which is to prepare interactive content for the online class.
You need to prepare Google Slides, Polls, or other interactive formats to keep students continue learning while interacting.
Finally, it’s time to keep students engaged with learning. There, you will have the gamification technology to help them learn while playing games.
You can suggest that they play virtual classroom games to stay engaged with learning, but in a gamified way.
Top 3 Virtual Classroom Examples for Teachers and Students
Here, I’ve put together the top 3 best virtual classroom examples for teachers and students to focus on their studies.
- Google Classroom – You Can Learn Anything
- Microsoft Teams for Education – Big Ideas for Little Learners
- Zoom for Education – Where Learning Meets Collaboration
Firstly, I’ve decided to add Google Classroom to the list of the best virtual classrooms in action because of its innovative approach to integrating with Google Workspace for education.
You can literally learn anything, but it has to be from your teacher, so that they can assess your progress and grade you.
Microsoft Teams for education is one of the best classroom management software for schools, as it provides seamless integration with multiple helpful tools.
Moreover, teachers can upload assignments and other educational courses to provide you with an enhanced learning experience through a collaborative approach.
Zoom for education is another one of the best virtual classroom platforms as it assists teachers in conducting an online class.
You will get breakout sessions, Polling, whiteboarding, and more to make Zoom an interesting and engaging classroom for students.
Virtual Classroom vs Traditional Classroom: Difference
Here is the comprehensive comparison of virtual classroom vs traditional classroom.
Aspect | Virtual Classroom | Traditional Classroom |
---|---|---|
Location | Conducted online | Held in physical school |
Accessibility | Accessible from anywhere | Limited to physical locations |
Flexibility | Offers flexible schedules | fixed timetable and routine |
Interaction | Through chats, video calls, and forums | Face-to-face, real-time interaction |
Technology Requirement | The digital environment may lack physical discipline | Minimal tech; usually just books, board, and projector |
Learning Environment | Digital tools like screen sharing, LMS, and recorded lectures | Controlled, structured environment with teacher supervision |
Cost | Often more affordable, with fewer infrastructure needs | Higher due to building, transport, and facility expenses |
Teaching Tools | Physical tools like whiteboards, textbooks, and lab equipment | Time is managed by a schedule and classroom rules |
Social Interaction | Limited or virtual interaction with peers | High level of in-person social engagement |
Assessment Methods | Online quizzes, submissions, and automated grading | In-person exams, assignments, and verbal assessments |
Time Management | Requires self-discipline and time management | Time is managed by schedule and classroom rules |
Real-time Feedback | May be delayed unless live session is conducted | Immediate feedback during class discussions |
Learning Style Support | Better for auditory and visual learners | Requires devices like computers/tablets and an internet connection |
Who Is The Winner?
There is no specific winner because both are indispensable in this age. Therefore, the most reasonable and best approach is a Hybrid Model.
What Do You Think?
Well, that’s what you need to know about a virtual classroom, from what it is and its comparison with traditional classrooms.
As you have come to know about both and have read my opinion about the best approach today, which is the HYBRID CLASSROOM.
You can choose a winner between them and lemme know about your decision in the comment section!
People Also Ask
A virtual classroom is an online learning space where teachers and students interact in real time to boost the learning experience.
Virtual classroom games are the best way to engage students in the learning process and to create a positive learning environment.
You will need several tools and equipment to start a virtual classroom:
1. A reliable online conference tool
2. Virtual classroom management skills
3. Interactive Whiteboards
4. Games to engage students
5. Assessment tools
6. LMS integrated software