Written by Zara Ziad

CEO & Co-founder @Classverse

What is a Virtual Classroom? A Simple Guide

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A few years ago, before the pandemic hit, virtual classrooms and online learning were still a new concept for many educational institutes. The strict stay-at-home orders forced us to think out-of-the-box and use real-time communication platforms – such as video conferencing tools – to continue teaching in difficult times.

Since then, remote learning has become a necessity for every organization, including schools, colleges, universities, and even the corporate world. But many of us are still struggling to understand what it really is and are wasting our time using half-cooked solutions. The truth is that the virtual teaching and eLearning industry is a beast of its own, not to be confused with the real-time communication industry that offers video conferencing, live streaming, and other such services.

What is a virtual classroom?

A virtual classroom is an online learning space where teachers and trainers meet their students and interact with one another using a variety of tools to deliver a seamless, real-world learning experience.

In a virtual classroom, the exact number and nature of tools may vary depending on the needs of the instructor or learner. But the goal of all virtual classroom solutions is universal:

Enable facilitators (teachers or trainers) to teach their audience (students or learners) in a digital classroom that is just as effective and efficient (if not more) than a physical setup.

Top tools required to teach online

Think of all the tools and facilities you use while teaching a class physically – this is everything you need to conduct professional teaching lessons online as well. From the face-to-face communication that happens in a class to the quiz worksheets that a teacher hands out to students for a quick assessment, a virtual classroom must bring everything together and integrate them in a way that enables easier adoption for teachers and students.
Here’s a list of most crucial tools required to teach online:

Types of virtual classrooms

Virtual classrooms offer teachers the ability to teach students online, which can essentially be done in three ways: synchronously, asynchronously, or in a hybrid setting.

1. Synchronous learning

Synchronous learning allows teachers to conduct live classes and interact with students in real-time, similar to a traditional classroom. It provides students with real-time feedback and engagement while enabling teachers to use interactive tools such as chat, breakout rooms, and whiteboards to encourage participation and collaboration.
Synchronous learning occurs in real-time through video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams, while asynchronous learning occurs when students access course materials at their own pace and on their own schedule.

2. Asynchronous learning

Asynchronous learning allows students to access course materials at their convenience, which can include pre-recorded lectures, videos, and other resources. Teachers can create and share these materials using an LMS or another storage platform. This approach provides students with more flexibility in their learning and allows them to learn at their own pace. It also enables teachers to provide personalized support and feedback to students.

3. Hybrid learning

Hybrid virtual classrooms combine both synchronous and asynchronous learning by using a single platform. This means students can access pre-recorded lectures and online course materials at their convenience, while also attending live classes and participating in group activities. Using a hybrid approach provides students with the benefits of both synchronous and asynchronous learning, resulting in a more flexible and effective learning experience.

Which one to choose?

Choosing the best type of virtual classroom depends on the specific needs of the teacher and students. When choosing a virtual classroom solution, it’s important to look for one that offers features for both synchronous and asynchronous learning, as well as hybrid settings that combine both types of learning for a more flexible and effective approach.
The virtual classroom solution should have built-in video conferencing tools, such as breakout rooms, whiteboards, and chat features, to facilitate synchronous learning and collaboration. Additionally, the solution should offer features that allow students to recap the classes, as well as access pre-recorded sessions, quizzes, course material, etc.

Virtual classrooms: The future of learning

The shift to web-based learning is real. Almost 75% of schools have bought or are planning to buy additional student technology since 2020. Since it is relatively a newer industry, educational institutes are still trying to learn and understand virtual classroom solutions, how to implement them, and what they can offer to their organization.
Classverse – although a new player in the industry – is on a journey to build the next-generation online teaching and learning solution for teachers around the world.

Our virtual classroom app is now live and we’re inviting individuals and organizations to take it for a test drive with our freemium service.

Signing up is easy, just fill out the form below, and one of our representatives will be in touch with you shortly to set up your account.

Plus, as a special offer, you can also book an exclusive guided tour of the platform, at no cost. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to revolutionize your online learning experience!

And if you are a fellow teacher, trainer, or facilitator who wants to accompany us on this journey and help us build a solution for you, feel free to contact us.

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