A virtual classroom can be defined as a digital learning environment, allowing teachers, students, parents to connect online in real-time. This system employs video conferencing, online whiteboards, and screen sharing, enabling the participants to live lectures, and discussions in an interactive setting. Virtual classrooms replicate physical classrooms’ experience, with the added benefits of file sharing, instant feedback, and interaction at the time of the pandemic.

During the lockdown, one of the most affected sectors has been educational institutes, forced to close down overnight, disrupting the students’ learning process worldwide. As rightly said, ‘Necessity is the mother of invention,’ the education sector evolved to accommodate safety regulations by offering virtual classrooms. It, in turn, helped students continue their learning journey safely by studying from home.

Importance of online school

  • Learning from the convenience of place and time–Online classes allow for archiving the lessons and recording the class lectures. Students have the option of going through the lessons again, at any time of their convenience. Virtual classes provide students plenty of time to digest the information learned, practice it, and enhance their understanding of the subjects.
  • Opportunity to learn new technology–Virtual classroom platforms like Google Meet, Zoom, etc., allows the student to explore and discover new digital tools. From creating PowerPoint for assignments to researching online, distance learning has provided an additional advantage in developing the skills required for their digital growth.
  • Interaction with Friends and Teachers – Strict lockdown with social distancing rules has resulted in the student’s struggle with isolation and feeling of loneliness. It, if left unchecked, can escalate to anxiety and depression. Best nursery schools in Pune allow students to interact with their friends and teachers. This sense of connection makes them cheerful and joyous again, helping them to grasp more.
  • Trackable LearningStudent’s performance is easily traceable in online classes, as every student’s data, including attendance records, test scores, exam results, etc., are stored online. Readily available records facilitate teachers’ understanding of the learning curve of a student easily. It helps teachers to create online course material as per the learning patterns and needs of the students.
  • Immediate feedback – Learners get immediate feedback on a learning topic that requires a test of knowledge. They are informed straight away on how well they comprehended the information. Online tests provide immediate scores on when the exam finishes and students can analyze quickly where they performed well and areas of improvement.
  • Increased participation and engagement – Compared to a traditional classroom setting, a virtual classroom offers different ways to interact with the students. Online class with a chat facility interconnects participants for improved social learning skills. The interactive comment feature allows the administrator to determine the quality of content to adjust to ensure the most effective learning experience.

Conclusion

Virtual classrooms are the need of the hour and are the way for future education. An increasing number of schools are looking towards online school management software to prepare themselves for a better tomorrow.