Unlock the power of learning with the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

 

All students learn in different ways and at different paces, so virtual learning supports this as multiple resources can be accessed at any time, allowing students to look back on lessons should they need to whenever.

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The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) offers far more flexibility than traditional in-person learning. It's easy and convenient, designed to be safely engaged from the comfort of one's home. Those with disabilities can easily access all study materials.

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11 benefits of virtual classrooms

 

1. Combination of structure and freedom

This is truly one of the top advantages of a virtual classroom. While there are different kinds of online courses, synchronous and asynchronous, virtual classrooms give learners the freedom to choose what to work on and what times to participate (within the class structure). A high-quality virtual classroom provides a continuous environment that once set up by the instructor, will remain “just how you left it.” Students can review and engage at their own pace outside class time.

 

2. Flexibility and accessibility

Related, virtual classroom learning offers far more flexibility than traditional in-person learning. It’s easy and convenient, designed to be safely engaged from the comfort of one’s home. Those with disabilities can easily access all study materials. And for all students, no travel or travel expenses are required to attend class.

Additionally, one of the clear benefits of virtual classroom courses is that adult virtual learners can more easily balance careers and advancement with furthering education.

 

3. Increased collaboration and personalization

Virtual group work and meetings can provide students with better opportunities to collaborate with classmates. Virtual classrooms also typically provide group tools and message boards where students can post thoughts about readings and assignments and responses to their classmates. Additionally, less assertive students have a better opportunity to participate. The experience is better personalized to the student and their learning style. Students are better able to choose their own pace and environment when taking on class assignments.

 

4. Immediate feedback

Rather than waiting for days, in virtual classrooms tests are typically scored as soon as the student finishes, making it clear where they performed well and where they need to improve. Teachers can likewise provide written or video feedback without having to wait for class time.

 

5. Continuous access to course material

Students can complete coursework from anywhere, at any time so long as they have access to a device and internet connection. Where traditional lectures leave students dependent on note-taking (or hazarding how well they retain info without notes), video presentations and online materials can easily be rewatched and reviewed as necessary. Hit rewind on that moment when you got distracted or didn’t quite grasp the content!

 

6. Asynchronous discussion

Similar to collaboration tools, virtual classroom students benefit from the asynchronous nature of online posting. Keep the conversation going whenever’s convenient! While in-person conversation is invaluable, it can rapidly change topics or end abruptly when class time runs out. Virtual classroom tools give students time to formulate complete and thorough responses.

 

7. Improved participation and engagement

Virtual classroom features facilitate small-group sharing where students who are shy in person can more fully participate. Similarly, virtual class environments are necessarily built with engagement functions, including data tools that help make sense of engagement patterns to improve a lesson plan.

 

8. Digital tools improve technology skills

The benefits of digital classroom tools go beyond instruction in the course; digital tools included in a quality virtual classroom environment are stepping stones for students (and teachers!) to learning general skills for creating digital materials (videos, presentations, etc.) and skilled use of many apps common in the professional world.

 

9. Cost reduction

Virtual classroom learning provides savings for both students and organizations. As mentioned, students and instructors do not have to commute, saving on personal expenses. Another cost advantage of a virtual classroom is that once the platform is in place, the virtual space is affordable to maintain. On the students’ side, rather than additional spending on course materials often resources are included with the virtual space. Many higher education institutions also offer discounts on regular tuition for students who attend online.

 

10. Timesaving

Much time can be saved by a virtual classroom environment. Students and instructors don’t need to commute, feedback is faster (as mentioned) and all participating and leading the class are better able to adapt the class to their schedule rather than always needing to schedule around the class.

 

11. Expansion of course topics and worldview

This applies to students, instructors, and even educational institutions. More accessible courses via virtual classrooms broaden students’ options as they can learn without traveling to campus, instructors can teach from anywhere in the world, and institutions can take advantage of the virtual space to offer a diverse range of courses virtually even if they lack in-person facilities.

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How the virtual classroom can change the way we learn

In combination, the benefits of a virtual classroom environment point to areas that can change and improve learning.

 

Firstly, the flexibility and accessibility provided helps students understand at a steady pace and participate regardless of their location. More flexibility can also facilitate one-on-one conversations with instructors, improving student experience overall.

 

Second, a full virtual classroom can emulate, and improve, the active learning and social interaction of “in person.” In some cases they better allow all students to participate and collaborate, rather than favor extroverted individuals. Students in a virtual classroom engage in online learning without concerns about neglecting social skills and relationship-building that emerge in other distance learning/e-learning solutions.

 

Finally, virtual classrooms necessarily integrate learning and using technological skills as a core experience of their courses.