This document discusses virtual classrooms and their key components. It describes virtual classrooms as real-time interactive learning environments facilitated by an instructor. Some important tools discussed include whiteboards, chat functions, and polling. The document also covers synchronous learning and benefits like interaction. Just-in-time training is explained as a way to provide needed information without extra context, and its benefits for saving time and resources.

1. Virtual Classroom Team 4 EDU 656/Dr. Windom January 10, 2010

2. Overview What is a Virtual Classroom Benefits of Synchronous Learning Key components Whiteboard Chat Polling Just-in-time Training Why JIT in a Virtual Classroom Incorporating JIT

3. What is a Virtual Classroom? Virtual Classrooms include a realtime interactive learning environment The instructor facilitates the learning and provides direction There are many tools that can be used within the lesson to carryout lesson objectives The course can be recorded by other programs such as Camtasia or Jing

4. What is a Virtual Classroom? Click the link to the right to watch the video about a free virtual classroom This provides an idea of what a virtual classroom is capable of http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVln4C4_hXo

5. Synchronous Learning Advantages of Synchronous learning is getting hands on real-time interactions between a facilitator and students. This creates a valuable environment for discussion and targeted learning objectives

6. Synchronous Learning An example: If there were new software implemented in a workplace and the users were experiencing issues or had questions the virtual classroom could be utilized in a question and answer session to tackle the issues with everyone on board to learn from and contribute to interaction to take place with a tech expert.

7. Key Components A virtual classroom needs to have: Students Shared learning environment Functioning components of the virtual classroom Whiteboard/or comparable site Chat Polling

8. Whiteboard This is an example of the whiteboard and the areas of use available The main areas are the whiteboard, chat and participant summary area

9. Chat The chat area is labeled and this is an important part of the virtual classroom Even though there is usually audio in the virtual set up the chat window illivates everyone talking at once

10. Polling The graphic above provides an example of the polling tools available and this can be used in a number of ways. Polling is useful to understand the majority of opinions or simply answering a multiple choice question.

11. Just In Time Training The concept is built around the learner accessing information needed to fulfill a task without having to get bogged down with information the student may already know

12. Why Just In Time Training Instead of traditional means of training to schedule the time and place the ability to handle everything in one online location saves time money and manpower.

13. Incorporating JIT “As with all learning products, begin with a definition of your business goals and your instructional objectives linked to those goals. Consider your media mix by matching your instructional requirements to the features of the various media available to you. To make best use of the virtual classroom, select instructional goals that benefit from visualization and interactivity” (Bernard, 2004)

14. Summary What is a Virtual Classroom Benefits of Synchronous Learning Key components Whiteboard Chat Polling Just-in-time Training Why JIT in a Virtual Classroom Incorporating JIT

15. References (2007) Academic Technology Center - Worcester Polytechnic Institute 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA. Retrieved 9 January 2010 from http://www.wpi.edu/academics/ATC/Collaboratory/HowTo/MyWPI/usingclassroom.html Bernard, M., Abrami, P., Lou, Y., Borokhovski, E., Wade, A., Wozney, L., Wallet, P., Fizet, M., & Huang, B. (2004). How does distance education compare with classroom instruction? A meta-analysis of the empirical literature. Review of Educational Research, 74(3), 379-439. Retrieved 9 Jan 2010 from http://www.performancexpress.org/0506/mainframe0506.html Clark, R. (2005). Four steps to effective virtual classroom training.Retrieved 9 January 2010 www.Clarktraining.com.