As a result of the technology revolution, instructors are actively seeking channels to provide learners with convenient access to their courses even when they are not physically present in the classroom. The advent of virtual classroom software like Adobe Connect is a boon to instructors who are both enthusiastic about their subject matter and committed to building meaningful relationships with their learners outside of the traditional learning environment. This software successfully addresses the subject of how best to connect with learners all around the world. The benefits and drawbacks of this fantastic program are discussed in depth in the following article. Let’s get the fundamentals down before discussing the pros and cons of this software.
The virtual classroom is a well-organized learning environment because everyone is separated by time and geography. The instructor also controls who gets access to their content and updates it. Both the instructor and the learners can benefit from it. They may readily converse and ask questions online, saving time and money. In the twenty-first century, technology like virtual classrooms is crucial for the approaches to be efficient and clear-cut for delivering a real-time classroom for instructors and learners. It provides high-level engagement for eLearning.
One can hold online courses and hold real-time discussions with the help of virtual classroom software. This provides instructors with a dynamic, collaborative space that may be used to imitate face-to-face classroom settings via video conferencing. Users can engage with instructors directly, exactly as in a traditional learning environment, by posing questions and engaging in open discussion.
Today’s digital classrooms are made possible by Learning Management Systems that streamline administrative tasks associated with learning. Any number, of course, materials can be uploaded to the cloud and made available to learners using a decent LMS platform. Instructors can supplement their learners’ instruction by directing them to relevant online resources.
Earlier, people had to go to a particular place at a scheduled time and if they couldn’t attend the sessions because of abrupt weather, too far distance, or any other reason, they were marked as absent, and the important learning couldn’t be availed of.
However, the exact opposite is prevailing today. With the discovery of virtual classroom software, geographical regions and climatic conditions won’t become barriers anymore.
The limitations of time and place on learning are entirely removed with the advent of virtual classrooms. Learners now have the flexibility to learn, socialize, and meet deadlines regardless of where they happen to be physically located. They can get their coursework done whenever and wherever they want.
Software designed for virtual classrooms facilitates the live recording of sessions delivered via the Internet. Learners can go back and review the sessions whenever it is most convenient for them.
They can give priority to the topics according to their present intellectual power. For example, if they are facing any issue with a particular sub-topic from the complete course, they can search for that topic only and study it on a priority basis. This helps save time and energy, which was not achievable through offline courses. Furthermore, learners can download any important video and watch it later on when they can focus on it properly. This allows a great level of flexibility which is important in any learning process.
The recordings can be updated with new information later, and the instructors can even share the updated versions with another group of learners. Instructors can learn from watching replays of their courses to enhance their delivery in future sessions.
Some people see technical difficulties as the biggest drawback to online learning. At least, in the beginning, widespread use of the technology will necessitate a robust network capable of handling extremely high traffic volumes. While we now have highly cost-effective alternatives, the investment required to set up such infrastructures is so significant that specific organizations may need help to consider it.
Some instructors, as well as students, may need more confidence to use e-learning tools. The reason might be that they are tech-savvy. This is a huge challenge as learning any form of technology and adopting it into a daily habit seems a tough task to any human. Many teachers may face problems while preparing online study materials. The challenge may become more difficult when they are supposed to present it in soft format to the online class daily. Besides, many students may not know how to sign in to their regular classes with this online software. They may feel helpless while submitting their assignments, tests, and presentations online.
Learning about new technology before putting it to use is crucial. Fewer than one might think are well-versed in all aspects of the process, including instructors. If either the instructor or the learner knows how to fix technological problems, the likelihood of their occurrence is reduced. In addition, very few instructors report difficulties creating digital versions of their sessions and seminars.
Despite the virtual classroom’s characteristic of allowing both instructors and learners to see each other, nothing beats the personal connection that can be made in a traditional learning environment.
Learners may feel reluctant to share their concerns with the instructors due to the absence of a physical classroom atmosphere. Sometimes, the learner can’t understand what the instructor is trying to say, and still, he/she doesn’t clear his/her doubts because of the loss of personal peer connections also. There may be a lack of motivation, fun, and a relevant atmosphere that is a must for any classroom learning. E-classroom learning through virtual classroom software may increase the communication gap to a great extent.
It is known to everyone how damaging any blue light is to the viewer. Attending virtual classrooms for long hours regularly is dangerous for both instructors and learners. Constantly watching on the screen adversely affects the eyes and may result in serious issues in the future.
When students attend any physical class regularly, be it in school, college, coaching classes, or tutions, they have to commute to the place and do some extra activities as a part of the holistic learning processes such as playing, running, dancing, attending daily assemblies, seminars, workshops and much more. All these activities take care of the student’s physical health, and thus, they remain fit.
Different periods related to PT, dance, and sports are the main contributors. But, teaching through the virtual classroom software and taking care of students’ physical health is not at all possible. Learning through this online mode substantially reduces their physical activities. They remain stuck to their desk and laptop only. Their core task is to stare at the online screen only and does simply what they have been assigned.
The benefits of using virtual classroom software to instruct learners worldwide outweigh the drawbacks. Many aspects, such as the nature of the learning, available time and money, available resources, and the potential learners’ specific requirements, must be considered when deciding which instructional methods to employ in a virtual classroom. However, each method has benefits and drawbacks, and instructors can use a combination of strategies to provide their learners with the best possible experience in a digital classroom. The ultimate objective is to provide learners with the most beneficial learning environment possible.
