VERTUAL CLASSROOM

Edited by : BISWAJIT PATRA

What is a Virtual Classroom?
A Virtual Classroom is an online classroom that allows participants to
communicate, view presentations, interact with learning resources and work in
groups. The massive growth in the number of MOOC (Massive Open Online
Courses) is suggestive of the fact that virtual classrooms are the next big reform
in the world of education.
It combines the growth in technology and thirst for knowledge to deliver an
unmatched learning experience for students. A virtual classroom allows both
learners and instructors around the world to participate in live classes to
collaborate and interact.
What are the benefits of a virtual classroom?
Virtual Classrooms are increasingly becoming popular everywhere. Top
educational institutes from US, UK, Australia and now India offer courses that
can be taken over the internet and thereby they have a worldwide student base.
Virtual Classrooms offers the following benefits:
Allows instructors the flexibility to operate from any region provided an
internet connection is available.
Participants can attend classes from any location.
Independent of time zones
Various tools are provided in an online learning environment which can be
used by online participants
It is a faster and cheaper method of distribution of Educational Resources
Encourages self learning for students
Removes the physical constraint of time and distance

What are the requirements for a virtual classroom?

To set up a virtual classroom the following setup is required. A physical
classroom setup:
Workstations consisting of desks and chairs
Projector or Interactive projector and screen
Microphone and speakers
Soundproof room
Internet connection - preferably 4G or 3G
Following Services provided by provider of an online learning platform.
Host and store course content
Manage student login credentials
Students Attendance Module
Virtual Class platform
Store students submissions and assignments
Manage grades
Provide important course information in one place
Benefits of Online Learning
With Online Learning students can join in the battle of the MOOC market. A
number of top educational boards have already signed up for MOOC and
students are joining in with great enthusiasm.
There are a number of reasons that will allow the generation to sign up for
the virtual Classroom proposal:
1. We can encourage students from different regions of the country to sign up
for courses offered via the web
2. We can hire top faculty from different regions since distance will no longer be
a constraint
3. Guest lectures and seminars can be held over the net
4. Adapting the changes in technology can help students stay in sync with the
worldwide educational reforms
5. Get students from different parts of the world
6. Diploma courses will be the role model for any institute online learning
system.