“It’s not that we use technology, we live technology.”
These words are absolutely true. Technology has become a part and parcel of our lives and we practically live using technology. The global pandemic shook our lives and if not for technology and the advancement in technology, our lives would have come to a standstill. From schools to banks, everything is now online. Virtual classrooms have made it possible for teachers to connect with their students and vice versa seamlessly.
This article will talk about the important things that you need to know about virtual classrooms. Without further ado, let’s get started.
Everything You Need To Know About Virtual Classrooms
A virtual classroom is an online space that allows teachers to collaborate with their students. They can participate in various learning exercises and activities. Virtual classrooms as the name suggests are hosted online and are accessed using the internet. If you are new to this spectrum, one of the most important things that you have to keep in mind is to:
Choose the right virtual classroom to teach your students. A good virtual classroom will have the following features:
Live Classes
Virtual classrooms should help teachers to conduct live classes and teach their students. The go-live option help teachers to conduct online classes seamlessly. Online teaching apps like Teachmint, help teachers to schedule the timetable and it also notifies the students before the live classes begin. As a teacher, while choosing a virtual classroom, ensure that it has all the necessary features so that you can use it effortlessly.
Online Whiteboard
It is a no-brainer that virtual classrooms are different from the traditional classroom setup. To ensure enough interaction and student engagement, teachers have to use innovative teaching methods and strategies. One of the things that help teachers with this, is an online or digital whiteboard. Interactive online whiteboards are a necessity nowadays. Teachmint’s online whiteboard can be saved and teachers can add images, texts, shapes, etc. They can also add new pages to the whiteboard and this can further be saved.
Screen Sharing
As mentioned, teachers will have to use various teaching strategies to ensure that they take across the concepts in the best manner possible. To cater to the different types of learners in the classroom, different styles of teaching must be adopted. There might be presentations that the teachers have prepared, these have to be shared with the students in real-time. Screen sharing will help with this.
Live Class Recording
Online classes can be of two types; asynchronous and synchronous. Asynchronous classes do not demand the students to be in a specific place at a specific time. Synchronous classes on the other hand happen at a previously scheduled timetable and in these types of classes, the students should be present at the said timings. While the latter has been found more beneficial, sometimes, students might miss out on these classes because of reasons that are beyond their control. In such cases, the teachers might have to bring them up to speed and put in extra time and effort. Live class recordings help[ teachers to record their classes and if you are using a brilliant online teaching app, these recorded lectures would be available within 24 hrs and students won’t miss out on classes anymore.
Content Sharing
The instructional materials and teaching aids play a major role in conveying concepts to the students. Sharing study materials, notes and other lecture videos is pivotal to ensure student success. Teachmint helps you share study materials with ease. As mentioned, the saved whiteboard will be reflected under the study materials tab and the students can access it whenever they want.
Automated Attendance
Teachers spend a lot of time marking attendance and taking note of who has come and who hasn’t. This is a hassle in itself. In order to save time and effort, choose a virtual classroom that has an automated attendance feature.
Security / Encryption
Security and privacy is a major concern when it comes to online platforms and online classes. Since there’s student data involved, choose a trustworthy online teaching platform.
As discussed, virtual classrooms are different from traditional classrooms. Teachers have to keep this in mind while incorporating different teaching methods. Include activities and games so that students stay engaged. Gather feedback at regular intervals and act on the feedback. These tips are sure to make the virtual classroom experience exemplary for both the teachers and the students.