Virtual Classroom Training Software Presentation

By M. Skelly

February 2010

Harrisburg UniversityLearning Technologies

LTMS 510-01

PurposeThe purpose of this presentation is to provide a brief overview of Virtual Classrooms, and to familiarize persons on some of their key applications / features.

What is a Virtual Classroom? - I think I know…

- I’m not sure.

What is it?A Virtual Classroom (aka as remote / distance education, E-learning), as the term suggests, means that the instructor(s) and learner(s) may not be physically situated in the same place / at the same time. It may be either synchronous or asynchronous.1-3 For a VC – a training session is occurring, but not through a traditional face-to-face meeting.

What is it?Traditional Classroom:

Virtual Classroom:

Why is it important?

Please type in your answer…

1st seven answers get a Hershey’s bar!

What’s a VC like?

Radio – Circa 1920s TV – Circa 1960s

Computer – Circa 1990s

What’s current VC like?Today, in addition to receiving telephone and video conferences, students are now able to take classes over the Internet, using quicker, more sophisticated forms of content delivery (e.g. multi-media), evaluation and feedback. The dialogue & discussion is better – easier - instantaneous!

Current VC Software

Current VC SoftwareOffers ability to: narrate presentations (audio / video); engage or view material in real-time – synchronous learning; engage in interactive multimedia activities – especially for polling & testing; download / upload required readings & completed assignments; interact - share comments and material with fellow classmates; manage & monitor learner progress.

What’s current VC like?

Common VC attributes: Whiteboard - Hands-up function - Written chat function - Ability to monitor participants / input by status bars, and universal feedback icons (, ,) - Ability to query / poll student by or mark icons.

Current VC Components More memory for text, better images, and storage of videos; Gaming – simulation - training applications; Ability to hypertext to other supplemental Web sites / material (Multi-media) sources; Greater testing & evaluation feedback; Real-time oral & written chat discussion; Use of LMS also allow for automatic notices, testing reminders, review other students work, and storage of past lectures and work.

Technical needs common to VC software Obviously, a computer; how to deal with basic tech. issues – e.g. audio problems in case they occur; get access codes to participate prior to presentation; determine primary audio / computer delivery – muting of phone; know basic navigation of VC screen; VC etiquette – e.g. still need to raise VC hand, avoid excessive chat about non-related subject matters.

Conclusion

The emergence of VC has seen a dwindling emphasis for the “brick & mortar” classroom. The ongoing evolution of VC may bear witness to a decline of the traditional teacher in favor of a more technologically proficient VC – ID production manager.

Conclusion …cont.Current & future VC should:

Balance technological sophistication with convenience; Offer greater student – instructor collaboration; Make learning more effective – hopefully entertaining, and fun.

Q & A

Footnotes

1. http://wiki.media-culture.org.au/index.php/E-Learning_-_The_Virtual_Classroom

2. http://www.slideshare.net/tech4101/virtual-classroom-presentation

3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_education