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.