Introduction to Virtual Classroom
Prof. Deepak Sharma
E-learning comprises all forms of electronically supported learning and teaching. The Information and communication systems, whether networked or not, serve as specific media to implement the learning process.
E-learning is essentially the computer and network-enabled transfer of skills and knowledge. E-learning applications and processes include Web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classroom opportunities and digital collaboration. Content is delivered via the Internet, intranet/extranet, audio or video tape, satellite TV, and CD-ROM. It can be self-paced or instructor-led and includes media in the form of text, image, animation, streaming video and audio.
With the ever-increasing popularity and accessibility of the Internet, it is only natural that the educational community should want to make use of this tremendous resource. Use of the Internet and Web are leading to significant changes in educational models. Effective exploitation of these changes requires adequate attention to understanding the technology, the educational processes and issues, student’s characteristics, etc.
As this use of Internet is increasing, a traditional classroom has shifted to E-Learning. While advancements in communication tools were easily adapted to learning methods, it was the introduction of the personal computer and the development of the Internet that would create the most radical transformation in higher education. Learning by computer can be as easy as communicating with your professor and fellow classmates via email, student utilizing an interactive CD-ROM. Thus, E-Learning can be defined an approach to facilitate and enhance learning by means of personal computers, CD-ROMs, and the Internet. It may be as simple as those teachers may simply post their material on Internet, students can read it online or can download it for further access.
Since student won’t be in a classroom with professor and classmates, he will need to be capable of independent learning. Instructor will provide him with a syllabus, course documents, and required readings. The interaction between the professor and the student will happen via e-mail, discussion board, forums etc. Since the class doesn’t meet in a physical space at a scheduled time, the student will have to learn independently. He will be responsible for keeping up with the assigned reading and completing assignments according to the timeline on the syllabus.
The growing popularity of E-Learning has introduced new terms to education, as Virtual Classroom, where student will be present with his professor and fellow learners in a classroom. They will not be present physically in the classroom but connected to the classroom via Internet.
Virtual classroom aims to simulate the experience of attending a class over the web. So everyone is able to see other participant virtually.
Examples of the various E-Learning definitions at this level are:
E-Learning refers to Web-based training — anywhere, anytime, self-paced instruction — that is presented over the Internet to browser-equipped learners.
"E-Learning is the convergence of learning and the Internet." (Banc of America Securities)
"E-Learning is content and instructional methods delivered on a computer (whether on CD-ROM, the Internet or an intranet), and designed to build knowledge and skills related to individual or organizational goals."(Ruth Clark, e-Learning Developers Journal, Sept. 2002)
"E-Learning is the use of network technology to design, deliver, select, administer, and extend learning."(Elliott Masie, The Masie Center)
"E-Learning is Internet-enabled learning. Components can include content delivery in multiple formats, management of the learning experience, and a networked community of learners, content developers and experts. E-Learning provides faster learning at reduced costs, increased access to learning, and clear accountability for all participants in the learning process. In today's fast-paced culture, organizations that implement e-Learning provide their work force with the ability to turn change into an advantage." (Cisco Systems)
These technologies remove barriers to instructional delivery — overcoming problems of ncompatibility and access — and they continue to dramatically increase in power, quality and effectiveness. These important capabilities include:
Multimedia instruction ("anytime, anywhere" — asynchronous learning) Live "virtual classrooms" (synchronous learning)
Streaming video and audio (new broadband capabilities will enhance the next phase of rich media delivery)
Internet phone (IP telephony will transform the level of interactivity in virtual classrooms and collaborative learning tasks)
Instructor resource sharing (instructors are now collaborating and building shared curriculum archive in ways never before possible)
Enhanced instructor-student and student-student communication
Global access to learners and instructors.
Networking, both internet and intranet, establishes a new context for education and training. It redefines the dynamics of the learning community and its resources. So whether one particular learning experience is "online or offline," in cyberspace or in the classroom, the network effect is still present.
Benefits of E-learning
E-learning has definite benefits over traditional classroom training. While the most obvious are the flexibility and the cost savings from not having to travel or spend excess time away from work, there are also others that might not be so obvious. For example:
· It's less expensive to produce .
· It's self-paced .
· It moves faster & provides a consistent message .
· It can work from any location and any time .
· It can be updated easily and quickly .
· It can lead to increased retention and a stronger grasp on the subject.
· It can be easily managed for large groups of students.
The Psychology of LearningLet's begin with what goes on in a person's head when they're learning. First, learning requires attention. Effective training grabs attention and holds it. Unfortunately, the neural systems in the brain that control attention and store information as memory get tired very quickly (in minutes). They need to rest every three to five minutes, or else they become much less responsive. They recover pretty quickly, but training has to work with this quick fatigue/boredom pattern for the person to learn efficiently.
Training that is patterned to move from one set t[Type a quote from the document or the summary of an interesting point. You can position the text box anywhere in the document. Use the Text Box Tools tab to change the formatting of the pull quote text box.]
Your browser does not support JavaScript or it is disabled.
1. Listening to a fact
e.g. Flour, when mixed with eggs, can be kneaded into a dough and cut into shapes for pasta.
2. Relating a concept to that fact
e.g. Foods high in carbohydrates help the body generate energy.
3. Visualizing the two together
e.g. Sports teams need quick energy that can be provided by carbohydrates, so they often have a meal of pasta prior to games.
These systems are interrelated and work together to form memory (i.e. learning). The goal is to form memory in each neural system. Information designed in a way that moves from neural system to neural system creates more effective learning.
E-learning and Retention Besides catering to these neural systems' needs, training should also incorporate other elements such as interaction, imagery and feedback.
E-learning can incorporate many elements that make learning new material, a new process or a new program more fun. Making learning more fun -- or interesting -- is what makes it more effective. Obviously, every type of training can't be turned into e-training, but many can with excellent results. The keys to successful e-learning include:
· Varying the types of content -- Images, sounds and text work together to build memory in the brain and result in better retention of the material.
· Creating interaction that engages the attention -- Games, quizzes and even manipulation of something on the screen creates more interest, which in turn builds better retention.
· Providing immediate feedback -- E-learning courses can build in immediate feedback to correct misunderstood material. The more immediate the feedback the better, because each step of learning builds upon the previous step. If no feedback is given, then the next step may be building upon an incorrect interpretation.
· Encouraging interaction with other e-learners and an e-instructor -- Chat rooms, discussion boards, instant messaging and e-mail all offer effective interaction for e-learners and do a good job of replacing classroom discussions. Building an online community significantly influences the success of online programs.
To incorporate these elements into training, Trainer soft developed simple tools that allow you to drop in animations, video or other media, and set special attributes for them such as:
· Hot spots that link to another file or image
· Transition effects
· Pop-up questions
· Audio responses to questions
· Flash and Shockwave files
· Javascripts
· CGI (common gateway interface) scripts
· Other effects that make objects react to the user's actions
Self-paced E-learning lets you go through the course at your own pace. This helps avoid missed information in situations where you have to leave the course or you just don't catch what the instructor said.
E-learning courses offer user-controlled elements that aren't feasible in regular training classes. For example, differentiating the sound of an irregular heart beat from that of a regular heart beat by clicking on screen icons allows the learner to listen at their own pace and replay the sound as often as they like. This self-paced element helps make e-learning effective.
Concept of Virtual Classroom
Just as the term virtual means a simulation of the real thing, Virtual Classroom is a simulated classroom via Internet, which provides a convenient communication environment for distance learners just like traditional face-to-face classroom. A virtual classroom allows learners to attend a class from anywhere in the world and aims to provides a learning
experience that is similar to a real classroom.
When we go to college we have a schedule of lectures, which we must attend. Student must arrive on time, and when he enters the classroom, he finds a teacher, fellow learners, a blackboard or whiteboard, LCD projector, optionally a television screen with videos. Likewise, a Virtual Classroom is a scheduled, online, teacher-led training session where teachers and learners interact together using computers linked to a network such as the Internet.
A virtual classroom enables to bring learners from around the world together online in highly interactive virtual classes while greatly reducing the travel, time, and expense of on-site teaching/training programs. It can be used as a solution for live delivery and interaction that addresses the entire process of creating and managing our teaching-learning process. It facilitates instructor and student in teaching-learning events, such as a seminar, online discussion or a live training for employees in company.
As in traditional classroom, there are professor and fellow learners present with the student; we have many participants present in virtual classroom. They can talk with each other as in the traditional classroom via chat. Similarly presenter uses whiteboard, gives notes/resources, gives presentation as given in traditional one. Thus, virtual classroom can be visualized as a classroom where a lecture or session is conducted using Internet. Now, that we have some idea about virtual classroom, we will discuss some advantages that virtual classroom offers over traditional classroom.
Advantages of Virtual Classroom
Following are some of the advantages of Virtual classroom over traditional classroom model:
· Removal of geographical barriers (Anywhere learning):
A virtual classroom allows learners and teachers to attend a single live training session from any place in the world, provided they have a computer and Internet connection.
· Sessions can be recorded:
If learners miss a traditional classroom-based training session, they have very little opportunity to engage in the learning experience that took place.
A virtual classroom has a facility to record the session so learners or teachers can replay it afterwards. Teachers too get an opportunity to review their own or their colleagues’ performance.
· Quicker to organize:
Training can be organized more quickly than traditional classroom-based training. Classrooms and projectors do not need to be reserved, materials do not need to be distributed. The sessions are easier to schedule or reschedule since attendees will not be traveling to the venue of the session.
· One to one communication:
In a virtual classroom environment, learners can talk to the teacher and to each other, and although this communication is not as rich in a traditional classroom, it still can help learners, since it is one to one.
Due to these advantages, concept of virtual classroom is getting very popular. Since it allows learners to attend sessions from anywhere in world, it is very useful for distant learners and for peoples who cannot meet face to face because of lack of time.
Though it gives lots of advantages, it has some pitfalls also. Following section describes some limitations of virtual classroom.
Limitations of Virtual Classroom
Following are some of the limitations of Virtual classroom over Traditional classroom:
· Teachers and students need to become familiar with the tools :
Teachers and students are familiar with the workings of a traditional classroom, that is, they understand the concepts of hand raising, the whiteboard, assignments, and so forth. With a virtual classroom, all attendees must become familiar with the way the virtual classroom works before virtual classroom based training starts.
· Time dependency for Live Sessions:
Attending virtual classroom training is restricted to certain scheduled time.
Infrastructure for the participants: ·
· PC needs to be prepared: Virtual classroom sessions need to be scheduled, teachers need to be invited, and participants’ PCs need to be prepared.
· Technical Limitations:
Technical issues such as band width, speed of the connection or power failure may create problem while presentation is going on.
Different Users of Virtual Classroom
There are different classes of users of virtual classroom based on the roles that they play. When presenter enters in virtual classroom, he has different work to do than participant. Depending on the user type, virtual classroom takes different form for each user. These forms can be categorized depending on the user's role. These roles are as follows:
· Presenter (or Administrator)
· Participant
Facilities provided by presenter interface to Faculty:
· Register new users
Presenter as an administrator has to register new users that will be attending the session.
· Create a session
Presenter has to decide the session time, users that will be invited for the session. While creating a session, he can specify the time and users of the particular session.
· Cancel a user registration
If any registered user does not want to attend the session, presenter cancels his registration.
· Conduct Online presentation
As a presenter, he conducts the session for participants. During presentation he performs various activities in the classroom. He can load the presentation slide that will be displayed to
participants.
· Share Resources
Presenter can add various resources to the session. It may be a file or just a simple web page link that participant can download at their end.
· Conduct Poll
He can create a poll for participants. Also he can chat with participants.
· Explain concepts using Whiteboard
He can use whiteboard to explain some of the topic, which may not be able to explain via presentations, or to solve any particular doubt asked by the participant. Facilities provided by participant interface to students:
· View online presentation
When a participant joins the session, they can view the presentation, which are conducted by the presenter in the virtual classroom. The presentation may include the PowerPoint presentation slides or it may also include the snap of the whiteboard on which the
presenter can explain the concepts to the participants.
· Public/Private Chat
The participants can have a conversation with the fellow participants publicly or privately via the chat feature available in the interface, the chat allows the participant to send the instant messages to the participants who are also attending the session. Participants can also send private messages to any of the participant but he is not allowed to send private messages to the presenter but can do so by using the hands up facility, which is explained next.
· Raise Hands
Whenever any participant will have any doubt, then he can tell that to presenter by using the hands up facility available in the user interface of the participant, using this feature the participant can interact with the presenter via the private chat.
· Give Response to the polls
The participants can answer the polls that are submitted by the presenter by using the “Submit Response” facility provided in the interface. The poll can be of type objective or it may be of Yes/No type. It the particular poll is public then participants can see response for that particular poll, else it will be kept hidden from the participant. The Only presenter is able to see the response for private poll.
· Download Resources
The resources that are been shared by the presenter can be downloaded by the participants at their machine. The resources can be the files which may include course material, e-book’s etc, or it may be also web links which presenter may want the participants should refer.
Synchronous training -- Synchronous training is done in real-time with a live instructor facilitating the training. Everyone logs in at a set time and can communicate directly with the instructor and with each other. You can raise your cyber hand and even view the cyber whiteboard. It lasts for a set amount of time -- from a single session to several weeks, months or even years. This type of training usually takes place via Internet Web sites, audio- or video-conferencing, Internet telephony, or even two-way live broadcasts to students in a classroom.
Asynchronous training -- This is e-learning in the more traditional sense of the word. It involves self-paced learning, CD-ROM-based, Network-based, Intranet-based or Internet-based. It may include access to instructors through online bulletin boards, online discussion groups and e-mail. Or, it may be totally self-contained with links to reference materials in place of a live instructor.
E-learning is essentially the computer and network-enabled transfer of skills and knowledge. E-learning applications and processes include Web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classroom opportunities and digital collaboration. Content is delivered via the Internet, intranet/extranet, audio or video tape, satellite TV, and CD-ROM. It can be self-paced or instructor-led and includes media in the form of text, image, animation, streaming video and audio.
With the ever-increasing popularity and accessibility of the Internet, it is only natural that the educational community should want to make use of this tremendous resource. Use of the Internet and Web are leading to significant changes in educational models. Effective exploitation of these changes requires adequate attention to understanding the technology, the educational processes and issues, student’s characteristics, etc.
As this use of Internet is increasing, a traditional classroom has shifted to E-Learning. While advancements in communication tools were easily adapted to learning methods, it was the introduction of the personal computer and the development of the Internet that would create the most radical transformation in higher education. Learning by computer can be as easy as communicating with your professor and fellow classmates via email, student utilizing an interactive CD-ROM. Thus, E-Learning can be defined an approach to facilitate and enhance learning by means of personal computers, CD-ROMs, and the Internet. It may be as simple as those teachers may simply post their material on Internet, students can read it online or can download it for further access.
Since student won’t be in a classroom with professor and classmates, he will need to be capable of independent learning. Instructor will provide him with a syllabus, course documents, and required readings. The interaction between the professor and the student will happen via e-mail, discussion board, forums etc. Since the class doesn’t meet in a physical space at a scheduled time, the student will have to learn independently. He will be responsible for keeping up with the assigned reading and completing assignments according to the timeline on the syllabus.
The growing popularity of E-Learning has introduced new terms to education, as Virtual Classroom, where student will be present with his professor and fellow learners in a classroom. They will not be present physically in the classroom but connected to the classroom via Internet.
Virtual classroom aims to simulate the experience of attending a class over the web. So everyone is able to see other participant virtually.
Examples of the various E-Learning definitions at this level are:
E-Learning refers to Web-based training — anywhere, anytime, self-paced instruction — that is presented over the Internet to browser-equipped learners.
"E-Learning is the convergence of learning and the Internet." (Banc of America Securities)
"E-Learning is content and instructional methods delivered on a computer (whether on CD-ROM, the Internet or an intranet), and designed to build knowledge and skills related to individual or organizational goals."(Ruth Clark, e-Learning Developers Journal, Sept. 2002)
"E-Learning is the use of network technology to design, deliver, select, administer, and extend learning."(Elliott Masie, The Masie Center)
"E-Learning is Internet-enabled learning. Components can include content delivery in multiple formats, management of the learning experience, and a networked community of learners, content developers and experts. E-Learning provides faster learning at reduced costs, increased access to learning, and clear accountability for all participants in the learning process. In today's fast-paced culture, organizations that implement e-Learning provide their work force with the ability to turn change into an advantage." (Cisco Systems)
These technologies remove barriers to instructional delivery — overcoming problems of ncompatibility and access — and they continue to dramatically increase in power, quality and effectiveness. These important capabilities include:
Multimedia instruction ("anytime, anywhere" — asynchronous learning) Live "virtual classrooms" (synchronous learning)
Streaming video and audio (new broadband capabilities will enhance the next phase of rich media delivery)
Internet phone (IP telephony will transform the level of interactivity in virtual classrooms and collaborative learning tasks)
Instructor resource sharing (instructors are now collaborating and building shared curriculum archive in ways never before possible)
Enhanced instructor-student and student-student communication
Global access to learners and instructors.
Networking, both internet and intranet, establishes a new context for education and training. It redefines the dynamics of the learning community and its resources. So whether one particular learning experience is "online or offline," in cyberspace or in the classroom, the network effect is still present.
Benefits of E-learning
E-learning has definite benefits over traditional classroom training. While the most obvious are the flexibility and the cost savings from not having to travel or spend excess time away from work, there are also others that might not be so obvious. For example:
· It's less expensive to produce .
· It's self-paced .
· It moves faster & provides a consistent message .
· It can work from any location and any time .
· It can be updated easily and quickly .
· It can lead to increased retention and a stronger grasp on the subject.
· It can be easily managed for large groups of students.
The Psychology of LearningLet's begin with what goes on in a person's head when they're learning. First, learning requires attention. Effective training grabs attention and holds it. Unfortunately, the neural systems in the brain that control attention and store information as memory get tired very quickly (in minutes). They need to rest every three to five minutes, or else they become much less responsive. They recover pretty quickly, but training has to work with this quick fatigue/boredom pattern for the person to learn efficiently.
Training that is patterned to move from one set t[Type a quote from the document or the summary of an interesting point. You can position the text box anywhere in the document. Use the Text Box Tools tab to change the formatting of the pull quote text box.]
Your browser does not support JavaScript or it is disabled.
1. Listening to a fact
e.g. Flour, when mixed with eggs, can be kneaded into a dough and cut into shapes for pasta.
2. Relating a concept to that fact
e.g. Foods high in carbohydrates help the body generate energy.
3. Visualizing the two together
e.g. Sports teams need quick energy that can be provided by carbohydrates, so they often have a meal of pasta prior to games.
These systems are interrelated and work together to form memory (i.e. learning). The goal is to form memory in each neural system. Information designed in a way that moves from neural system to neural system creates more effective learning.
E-learning and Retention Besides catering to these neural systems' needs, training should also incorporate other elements such as interaction, imagery and feedback.
E-learning can incorporate many elements that make learning new material, a new process or a new program more fun. Making learning more fun -- or interesting -- is what makes it more effective. Obviously, every type of training can't be turned into e-training, but many can with excellent results. The keys to successful e-learning include:
· Varying the types of content -- Images, sounds and text work together to build memory in the brain and result in better retention of the material.
· Creating interaction that engages the attention -- Games, quizzes and even manipulation of something on the screen creates more interest, which in turn builds better retention.
· Providing immediate feedback -- E-learning courses can build in immediate feedback to correct misunderstood material. The more immediate the feedback the better, because each step of learning builds upon the previous step. If no feedback is given, then the next step may be building upon an incorrect interpretation.
· Encouraging interaction with other e-learners and an e-instructor -- Chat rooms, discussion boards, instant messaging and e-mail all offer effective interaction for e-learners and do a good job of replacing classroom discussions. Building an online community significantly influences the success of online programs.
To incorporate these elements into training, Trainer soft developed simple tools that allow you to drop in animations, video or other media, and set special attributes for them such as:
· Hot spots that link to another file or image
· Transition effects
· Pop-up questions
· Audio responses to questions
· Flash and Shockwave files
· Javascripts
· CGI (common gateway interface) scripts
· Other effects that make objects react to the user's actions
Self-paced E-learning lets you go through the course at your own pace. This helps avoid missed information in situations where you have to leave the course or you just don't catch what the instructor said.
E-learning courses offer user-controlled elements that aren't feasible in regular training classes. For example, differentiating the sound of an irregular heart beat from that of a regular heart beat by clicking on screen icons allows the learner to listen at their own pace and replay the sound as often as they like. This self-paced element helps make e-learning effective.
Concept of Virtual Classroom
Just as the term virtual means a simulation of the real thing, Virtual Classroom is a simulated classroom via Internet, which provides a convenient communication environment for distance learners just like traditional face-to-face classroom. A virtual classroom allows learners to attend a class from anywhere in the world and aims to provides a learning
experience that is similar to a real classroom.
When we go to college we have a schedule of lectures, which we must attend. Student must arrive on time, and when he enters the classroom, he finds a teacher, fellow learners, a blackboard or whiteboard, LCD projector, optionally a television screen with videos. Likewise, a Virtual Classroom is a scheduled, online, teacher-led training session where teachers and learners interact together using computers linked to a network such as the Internet.
A virtual classroom enables to bring learners from around the world together online in highly interactive virtual classes while greatly reducing the travel, time, and expense of on-site teaching/training programs. It can be used as a solution for live delivery and interaction that addresses the entire process of creating and managing our teaching-learning process. It facilitates instructor and student in teaching-learning events, such as a seminar, online discussion or a live training for employees in company.
As in traditional classroom, there are professor and fellow learners present with the student; we have many participants present in virtual classroom. They can talk with each other as in the traditional classroom via chat. Similarly presenter uses whiteboard, gives notes/resources, gives presentation as given in traditional one. Thus, virtual classroom can be visualized as a classroom where a lecture or session is conducted using Internet. Now, that we have some idea about virtual classroom, we will discuss some advantages that virtual classroom offers over traditional classroom.
Advantages of Virtual Classroom
Following are some of the advantages of Virtual classroom over traditional classroom model:
· Removal of geographical barriers (Anywhere learning):
A virtual classroom allows learners and teachers to attend a single live training session from any place in the world, provided they have a computer and Internet connection.
· Sessions can be recorded:
If learners miss a traditional classroom-based training session, they have very little opportunity to engage in the learning experience that took place.
A virtual classroom has a facility to record the session so learners or teachers can replay it afterwards. Teachers too get an opportunity to review their own or their colleagues’ performance.
· Quicker to organize:
Training can be organized more quickly than traditional classroom-based training. Classrooms and projectors do not need to be reserved, materials do not need to be distributed. The sessions are easier to schedule or reschedule since attendees will not be traveling to the venue of the session.
· One to one communication:
In a virtual classroom environment, learners can talk to the teacher and to each other, and although this communication is not as rich in a traditional classroom, it still can help learners, since it is one to one.
Due to these advantages, concept of virtual classroom is getting very popular. Since it allows learners to attend sessions from anywhere in world, it is very useful for distant learners and for peoples who cannot meet face to face because of lack of time.
Though it gives lots of advantages, it has some pitfalls also. Following section describes some limitations of virtual classroom.
Limitations of Virtual Classroom
Following are some of the limitations of Virtual classroom over Traditional classroom:
· Teachers and students need to become familiar with the tools :
Teachers and students are familiar with the workings of a traditional classroom, that is, they understand the concepts of hand raising, the whiteboard, assignments, and so forth. With a virtual classroom, all attendees must become familiar with the way the virtual classroom works before virtual classroom based training starts.
· Time dependency for Live Sessions:
Attending virtual classroom training is restricted to certain scheduled time.
Infrastructure for the participants: ·
· PC needs to be prepared: Virtual classroom sessions need to be scheduled, teachers need to be invited, and participants’ PCs need to be prepared.
· Technical Limitations:
Technical issues such as band width, speed of the connection or power failure may create problem while presentation is going on.
Different Users of Virtual Classroom
There are different classes of users of virtual classroom based on the roles that they play. When presenter enters in virtual classroom, he has different work to do than participant. Depending on the user type, virtual classroom takes different form for each user. These forms can be categorized depending on the user's role. These roles are as follows:
· Presenter (or Administrator)
· Participant
Facilities provided by presenter interface to Faculty:
· Register new users
Presenter as an administrator has to register new users that will be attending the session.
· Create a session
Presenter has to decide the session time, users that will be invited for the session. While creating a session, he can specify the time and users of the particular session.
· Cancel a user registration
If any registered user does not want to attend the session, presenter cancels his registration.
· Conduct Online presentation
As a presenter, he conducts the session for participants. During presentation he performs various activities in the classroom. He can load the presentation slide that will be displayed to
participants.
· Share Resources
Presenter can add various resources to the session. It may be a file or just a simple web page link that participant can download at their end.
· Conduct Poll
He can create a poll for participants. Also he can chat with participants.
· Explain concepts using Whiteboard
He can use whiteboard to explain some of the topic, which may not be able to explain via presentations, or to solve any particular doubt asked by the participant. Facilities provided by participant interface to students:
· View online presentation
When a participant joins the session, they can view the presentation, which are conducted by the presenter in the virtual classroom. The presentation may include the PowerPoint presentation slides or it may also include the snap of the whiteboard on which the
presenter can explain the concepts to the participants.
· Public/Private Chat
The participants can have a conversation with the fellow participants publicly or privately via the chat feature available in the interface, the chat allows the participant to send the instant messages to the participants who are also attending the session. Participants can also send private messages to any of the participant but he is not allowed to send private messages to the presenter but can do so by using the hands up facility, which is explained next.
· Raise Hands
Whenever any participant will have any doubt, then he can tell that to presenter by using the hands up facility available in the user interface of the participant, using this feature the participant can interact with the presenter via the private chat.
· Give Response to the polls
The participants can answer the polls that are submitted by the presenter by using the “Submit Response” facility provided in the interface. The poll can be of type objective or it may be of Yes/No type. It the particular poll is public then participants can see response for that particular poll, else it will be kept hidden from the participant. The Only presenter is able to see the response for private poll.
· Download Resources
The resources that are been shared by the presenter can be downloaded by the participants at their machine. The resources can be the files which may include course material, e-book’s etc, or it may be also web links which presenter may want the participants should refer.
Synchronous training -- Synchronous training is done in real-time with a live instructor facilitating the training. Everyone logs in at a set time and can communicate directly with the instructor and with each other. You can raise your cyber hand and even view the cyber whiteboard. It lasts for a set amount of time -- from a single session to several weeks, months or even years. This type of training usually takes place via Internet Web sites, audio- or video-conferencing, Internet telephony, or even two-way live broadcasts to students in a classroom.
Asynchronous training -- This is e-learning in the more traditional sense of the word. It involves self-paced learning, CD-ROM-based, Network-based, Intranet-based or Internet-based. It may include access to instructors through online bulletin boards, online discussion groups and e-mail. Or, it may be totally self-contained with links to reference materials in place of a live instructor.
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