Virtual Classrooms as a medium for online learning There is an increasing demand for online and distance courses in colleges and universities. Online learning can be delivered through a number of mediums: Can you name a few online mediums: Blogs Wikis Websites The focus of today’s presentation is: Virtual Classroom as a medium for Online Learning

Agenda Virtual Classroom Overview Virtual Classroom as a medium for learning Storyboard – Step four Assess your mastery of a virtual classroom features and functions

What are Virtual Classrooms ? Virtual Classrooms are classrooms that are available via an internet connection and a physical or mobile computer to teach, train and collaborate…… What are the main reasons cited for choosing a virtual classroom in favour of a physical classroom?  Flexibility  Cost Savings  Global appeal  Interactivity

Education Adobe Connect Moodle Blackboard Popular Virtual Classrooms in Education Adobe Connect Moodle Blackboard WizIQ

Popular Commercial Virtual Classrooms GoToWebinar Citrix IMeet Webex ZOHO WebMeetLive

Virtual Classroom methods Of transmission Synchronous Asynchronous Name two Virtual Classroom Platforms  Synchronous  Asynchronous

Primary uses of a Virtual Classrooms? Community of Practice (CoP) Town Hall meetings Training Webinars Collaboration (group work) Projects What are the primary uses of a virtual Classroom?  Community of Practice (CoP)  Town Hall meetings  Training  Webinars

What are your views on using Virtual Classrooms to facilitate learning What are your views on using Virtual Classrooms to facilitate learning? What are some to the advantages? What would you say are some of the limitations?

Major benefit of a virtual classroom Possibility to create a Synchronous event, have it recorded and make it available as an Asynchronous event for future use…. What is a major benefit of a virtual classroom?  Possible to create a Synchronous classroom record it and distribute it as an Asynchronous Classrooms

Invitation to join a meeting System requirements Cost License fees Limitations Login and password Invitation to join a meeting System requirements Cost License fees Disadvantages  Login and password information  Invitation to join a meeting  System requirements

Irrespective of the level of sophistication of the Virtual Classroom software, that in and of itself does not ensure learning….

It is how the training is designed and delivered that counts….

Linking pedagogy, technology and learner needs Relevant Interactive project-based collaborative, while providing some choice or control over their learning

Online instructor readiness Instructor’s technical competencies Instructor’s ability to teach online are critical to the quality of online education

Develop or plan high quality online courses Most Important Skills Moderation Facilitation Develop or plan high quality online courses What are the most important skills for training online?

How to acquire Moderation and Facilitation skills?

eModerating in a Synchronous Virtual Classroom Register for Rosanna’s eModerating in a Synchronous Virtual Classroom Tutorial

You will acquire: Tips, Tools & Resources To plan and prepare dynamic virtual classroom sessions and enhance your performance as an e-moderator/e-facilitator

Assess your mastery of a Virtual Classroom functions and features Step Four Assess your mastery of a Virtual Classroom functions and features