The document introduces the virtual classroom as a synchronous computer-mediated learning environment where an instructor and participants interact in real-time from different locations. It discusses key features of virtual classrooms like visual displays, participant interactions through polling and chat, and communication tools. The document also compares synchronous e-learning, like virtual classrooms, to asynchronous e-learning, and outlines advantages and disadvantages of each. It concludes by discussing instructional components and learning processes that are best supported in the virtual classroom environment.

1. Running HEAD: Introducing the Virtual 1 Introducing the Virtual Classroom Michele Kemp EDU656 Dr. Nicole Runyon August 8, 2011 EDU656 August 2011

2. Introducing the Virtual Classroom A Hybrid Learning Environment www.ThemeArt.com

3. Old School – Instructor-led Classroom

4. What is theVirtual Classroom? Synchronous computer-mediated learning environment with Facilities for visualization Instructor and participant audio Participant response via polling & chat, etc. Commonly used virtual classroom tools Adobe Acrobat Connect Professional Elluminate Live Meeting Web Ex

5. New School – A Hybrid Environment

10. Web-based, self-paced, self-study

13. Nearest to classroom-style

14. Instructor-led

15. Real-time method

18. Technical challenges

19. Lack of interaction / engagement

20. Multitasking

22. Less time away from the job

23. Faster to develop / deploy training

24. Higher completion rates than self-study

25. Train a larger number at less cost

26. Real-time interaction

27. Collaborative learning activities

29. Web-based, self-paced, self-study

30. Participants interaction via e-mail and online discussion groups

32. interaction

33. To sustain attention

34. To promote learning

35. Convenience, reduced travel time and costs

36. Self-paced

37. Less mental load on learners

39. Learner controls parameters

40. Time

42. Display Visual Information White Board, Application Sharing, etc. 1 Promote Participant Interactions Polling, White Board Tools 2 Communication Instructor- Participants /Among Participants Chat, Audio, Breakout Rooms 3 Features of the Virtual ClassroomThree Main Classes

44. Drawing tools

47. Instructional Reasons Pragmatic Reasons Participant Collaboration Visualization Of Content Deploy Training Over Time Real-Time Interaction Computer App Demo/ Practice Reduced Costs Reach More Learners Deploy Training Quickly Consume Less Time Course Completion Ensured When to Use the Virtual Classroom

49. Instructional components

50. Supporting learning processes Learning in the New Virtual Classroom Which Technology Is Best for Learning?

52. Online learning environment as effective as traditional classroom

54. Audio

56. Examples

57. Demos

61. Four Instructional Architectures

63. Center of conscious thoughts and processes

65. Large capacity permanent storage of knowledge

66. Long-term memory relatively inert

68. References Clark, R.C., Kwinn, A. (2007), Evidence-based guidelines for synchronous e-learning – the new virtual classroom, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., P. 3-41, 256, 260. Clark & Mayer (2008), E-learning and the science of instruction: proven guidelines for consumers and designers of multimedia learning, P.7, 75. Horton, W. (2006), E-learning by design, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., P. 6, 495-530.