Virtual classroom is a computer medicated communication system. The need of gathering at one place for communication in traditional classroom is been overcome by virtual classroom, the main advantages of virtual classroom is that due to shrinking distance communication is improved.
Under virtual classroom-concept come the tools it should provide to the learner, students prerequisites for virtual classroom and types of virtual classroom.
The architecture of virtual classroom is in three phase which include the normal instructor to classroom setup, classroom behind firewall setup and instructor to group of geographically dispersed student.
There are various developed virtual classroom one of which is blackboards, which include synchronous as well as asynchronous environment of teaching. Its possible features are explained in brief.
WHAT IS A CLASSROOM:
A classroom can be defined as a communication system that makes it possible for a group of people/users to come together to dialogue about something they want to learn, and to look at visuals (pictures, diagrams) and text that might aid them in understanding.
The conventional classroom is surrounded by walls that provide protection from outside noise and interference, contributing to a more effective learning process
Need Of Virtual Classroom:
Traditionally, teaching by distance or externally has involved the provision of written notes, which were sometimes supplemented by audio-visual materials such as video and audiocassette. This approach has been surpassed with the integration of written notes, interactive multimedia and the World Wide Web. Interactive multimedia may have been presented on CD-ROMs or servers. These interactive programs have included items such as digitized textbooks, video, animation, photos and figures, as well as self-test facilities. A major benefit of the Virtual Learning Center is the reduction in travel time and expense compared to traditional classroom training
The virtual classroom can be simply viewed as a forum or meeting area for students and the lecturer. Just as the lecture theatre, tutorial room or laboratory provide a physical ‘place’ for students to meet and learn, it also provides a congregation point through which knowledge and experiences are shared, debated and compared. The virtual classroom presents an opportunity for those students who are unable to physically meet at a campus to gather using an alternative environment.
VIRTUAL CLASSROOM-CONCEPT
In creating virtual classroom the main objective is not to merely duplicate the characteristics and effectiveness of the face-to-face class. Rather, we can use the powers of the computer to actually do better than what normally occurs in the face-to-face class.
The Virtual Classroom is a teaching and learning environment located within a computer-mediated communication system. The objectives of a Virtual Classroom are to improve access to advanced educational experiences by allowing students and instructors to participate in remote learning communities using personal computers at home or at work; and to improve the quality and effectiveness of education by using the computer to support a collaborative learning process. Rather than being built of steel and concrete, the VC consists of a set of group communication and work "spaces" and facilities that are constructed in software. Thus it is a "virtual facility" for interaction among members of class, rather than a physical space.
