2. What Does a Virtual
Classroom Look Like?
A Virtual Classroom is a private online meeting space for real-time
learning activities.
Virtual Classrooms typically incorporate these elements:
Text-Chat- Students can type what they want others to see in real
time
Shared Whiteboard- A blank screen where people can share
information, write comments, and draw pictures in real time
Presentation Capability- Instructors are able to use multiple
options of presentation modes from audio, video, and multimedia
lectures to self guided power point type presentations
Audio- Students and teachers can share information with a
microphone and speakers.
Polling or Survey tools- Students are able to take surveys that are
shared with the teacher and class
Breakout Rooms- Students are able to split into groups where
they can discuss class with fewer people
Web tours- Students cab take virtual tours or webpages or
projects
3. What Does a Virtual
Classroom Look Like?
According to a Virtual Classroom Instructor, a Virtual
Classroom looks like…
“A place where teachers are facilitators and students are
actively engaged and interacting with one another - a place
where students are comfortable and safe and still challenged
to learn. The virtual classroom is a place where relationships
are formed, and where no one is judged by a name brand or a
hair style.”
For her entire definition of a Virtual Classroom visit:
http://www.wimba.com
4. What Does a Virtual
Classroom Look Like?
A virtual classroom is an online classroom that
allows participants to communicate with one
another, view presentations or videos, interact
with other participants, and engage with
resources in work groups.
Here is a great link that explains how virtual
classrooms work and how they are beneficial
http://www.edutopia.org/online-learning-overview-
video
5. Benefits of a Virtual
Classroom
Non-Restricting- Virtual Classrooms allow both teachers
and students around the world to participate in live classes
to collaborate and interact
Affordable- Virtual Classrooms are very low in cost. Money
is saved by eliminating travel expenses and the cost of
ordinary school supplies such as: pencils, paper, glue, etc.
Flexible Learning- Online content is available 24/7.
Presentations, lectures, and other important information is
online at all times and students are able to view and study at
their convenience.
6. Benefits of a Virtual
Classroom
Easiness- Virtual Classrooms make learning easy by having
all notes, research material, study groups, and lectures
within one place. Students also have the ability of using
online learning materials such as dropbox and presentation
apps.
Teachers advantages:
Greater ability to monitor and interact with students
Easy to track students to see who has attended class and who
has not
Keeping track of what students are struggling and who needs
extra help
Easy to communicate with parents/guardians
7. Virtual Classroom & Special
Education
Benefits of teaching special needs students via a virtual
classroom:
Students that are not able to physically attend school are able
to attend class in the convenience of their own home.
Students are able to interact with their peers through the
computer and not face-to-face. This will be effective for
students with severe anxiety disorders.
Students with severe behavior disorders that cannot be in a
regular classroom setting, can be at home or even in a resource
room, and “skype” into their their regular classroom for
instruction time. They could also submit assignments and
classwork through the virtual classroom.
8. Virtual Classroom & Special
Education
Students that are hospitalized can receive class instruction
through a virtual classroom or using Skype to listen and watch in
on their regular classroom.
ESL students can learn a new language through seeing short
videos or having a video conversation with other students
or teachers that speak that particular language.
Gifted and Talented students, who are above grade level ,
have the ability to learn at their level through a virtual
classroom. They can do this in class, when their classmates
are working on grade level work.
9. In My Virtual Classroom, I
would…
Allow students to move at their own pace.
I would prepare and provide lectures,
assignments, and tests and have students watch
the lectures, and complete the assignments and
assessments at their own pace. This allows
students to learn to their best ability. If a
student needs extra time on a lesson, they are
able to have it. On the other hand, if a student is
already understanding the content of the lesson,
they will be able to move onto another chapter.
10. In My Virtual Classroom, I
Would…
Work in groups
My students would be placed into teams
where they would be assigned to different
tasks that they would complete as a group.
They will be responsible for discussing,
researching, and creating presentations on
specific topics. This is beneficial for students
to learn how to work with others. Working
in a group is also a “real world” lesson that
they would benefit from learning.
11. In My Virtual Classroom, I
Would…
Communication-
Each student will have their own email
account. They will be responsible for
communicating with me, their teacher, and
their classmates through email or a group
page. Here, they will discuss weekly
questions about our topic of interest.
Communication is the key to success in
school and work life.
12. In My Virtual Classroom, I
Would…
Field Trips-
I would send my students on virtual field
trips. This would be a fun way for students
to research or learn about something new.
Students would be able to visit museums,
art galleries, and even chat with teachers
and students in different countries!
13. In My Virtual Classroom, I
Would…
Flexibility-
My students and myself will be able to teach, learn on our
own time. Busy schedules lead to limited time during the
week days. With students having the flexibility to watch
lectures, study, and complete assignments and assessments
when they have time, as long as they meet deadlines, students
are able to learn to their fullest potential. Teachers can grade
assignments and upload lectures on their own time.
One virtual teacher said, “I can grade papers on my front
porch!”
I would definitely be grading papers at the beach.
