Different software platforms have different options and functionalities. It is important that in virtual classrooms interaction and participation is encouraged. Although a virtual class reduces cost and traveling, it is important that platforms are used in the right way. It means that it should not be used just to decorate. Since there is no face to face contact, the instructor would not know whether the learners are sending messages or chatting instead of paying attention.
The first thing that should be done is delete the idea from our minds that a virtual class is just a reproduction of a traditional class. If this is so, it would be useless. In my opinion, that is why many teachers have a misconception about virtual learning. It is not just uploading the information from papers on to the internet. It is more than this. That is why many teachers find this new technology un useful.
Planning is very important. The interactions should be well planned. Types of interactions:
1.With other participants – in my opinion, the learners can learn a lot from this type of interaction since they are communicating with others and therefore learning from each other.
2.With the instructor – the best way in which the learner can know where s/he stands.
3.With the platform itself.
When the learner plans the interactions, the learning objectives must be well known. In this way, the learner would know whether the objectives and aims have been reached. Moreover, the learner’s attention must be present at all times.
The different software platforms help in interactions such as visuals, chat rooms, break out rooms, polling and whiteboard. Therefore to have successful learning by the learners, effective platforms have to be used.
For more detail:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxY22IhbaH4&feature=related
Very interesting video Sarah and in 10 minutes it explains the very important points of “how to deliver an engaging Virtual Classroom presentation”. As she explains in the video it is important that interactions are done frequently between 3 to 5 minutes in order to check if the participants are understanding or not. Another important concept in which I agree perfectly is that one needs to know the functions of a platform well before deciding to use it. Although a lot of platforms exist as Sarah mentioned, these all have different functions and can be used in specific situations as explained more in the video. For example Whiteboard could be used to capture ideas while chat can be used for open-ended questions. As always before deciding to use a particular software or platform one need to do some research in order to see what others say and how one can use it in the most effective way.
ReplyDelete