3 common preconceptions regarding the virtual classroom

Are you torn between face-to-face and remote learning? Although the virtual classroom has won over many a school, company and training organisation, it continues to suffer from some common preconceptions. Discover our response to the three common preconceptions regarding the virtual classroom and the benefits it can offer you.

1. The virtual classroom format is based on a face-to-face class

Taking a remote training course calls for greater concentration. Stuck in front of their screens, students get tired and disengage more quickly. That’s how online sessions differ from face-to-face classes and they must be adapted accordingly. To meet your training goals, make sure your virtual class is shorter, more segmented and faster paced. Offer regular breaks, switch formats by introducing quizzes, videos or workshops, and go straight to the crux of the matter.

2. The virtual classroom takes the human element out of learning

There is some truth to this idea when sessions are held via inappropriate platforms. Videoconferencing tools put participants in boxes and restrict interaction. Participants are represented by their initials or by black boxes when they don’t activate their cameras. Virtual classroom and teaching solutions provided by specialists like Glowbl are designed to help teachers and training officers make their sessions more dynamic. A number of special functions enable teachers to view their participants in the virtual space, move them around, facilitate group work, and create interaction. Break the ice and build a team spirit using integrated teaching tools. You can even organise remote collaborative workshops like World Cafes or Hackathons.

Further reading: Virtual classroom and video conferencing software: what is the difference?

3. The virtual classroom is difficult to implement

The virtual classroom is a powerful tool. That is why it may appear difficult to implement and get to grips with, for both teachers and students. Some tools have their own unique ergonomics mirroring real-life training conditions. Some platforms, for example, have long-lasting and customisable virtual spaces. You can therefore create a familiar and recognisable atmosphere accessed via a unique permanent link, to make your participants feel at home. Extra options to facilitate communication and movement, and to share documents across tables or work on content via sub-tables, can also help create points of reference that will help users get to grips with the tool.

As well as centralising a number of functions, some virtual classroom solutions like Glowbl also integrate existing applications like Google file, Miro and Draft.io. So you can use all your favourite tools in one unique environment.

Further reading: Feedback:“In Glowbl virtual classrooms, you feel completely immersed in an environment that reproduces the codes of a real-life training room.”

Virtual classrooms also offer many advantages: flexibility, customisation, fun teaching through games, time saving, etc. And for those who can’t live without face-to-face teaching, there is always the option of blended learning.