http://wiki.media-culture.org.au/index.php/E-Learning_-_The_Virtual_Classroom
The virtual classroom allows for flexibility, convenience, and different methods of learning. As with most things there are pros and cons to the virtual classroom. The three main pros for students taking, or who are considering, a virtual class are time, money, and access. Money and time are saved by not having to travel to a campus, and if you are anywhere with Internet access you can log into your class. This is a great pro for those who have physical disabilities, full time jobs or transportation issues. It's also a diverse class in that students who live anywhere in the world can enroll which can offer up some interesting views during discussions. Pros for teachers include the flexibility of it all. They aren't tied to a desk or office to conduct or organize their class. It also allows for a more in-depth and thorough response to any student questions, concerns or feedback.
The main disadvantage of the virtual classroom is the lack of face to face, teacher-student interaction. There are a lot of humanistic elements that are left out that some students require in order to have a successful and fulfilling experience. As far as technology goes, a student who is hearing impaired is at an extreme disadvantage when there is streaming audio. If a student does not have a computer with high bandwidth and adequate memory they are at a disadvantage for the course. If there is an Internet failure or similar problem this may hinder the student from completing a task.
Virtual classrooms may be the answer for some, others may stick to the more traditional way of school. Either way, good or bad, it is nice that we live in a day and age where we have these choices. I admit that I don't know too much about it, but for the hearing impaired it would be a good idea for a closed caption option in the course. Don't know if they have that already or not.
2 comments:
I definitely agree with you that virtual classrooms are a great advancement. Personally, I enjoy them. However, I like the fact that you added both the pros and cons of a virtual classroom. You are completely right when u say one person might rather have the face-to-face interaction while other may not. Therefore, virtual field trips obviously could not be that effective especially in a case with kids who might have disadvantages such as being hearing impaired as you have said.
I also liked that you mentioned both pros and cons for virtual classrooms. I personally like online classes also, but only for one or two classes a semester. I enjoy interacting with people, and online classes do not really allow this. I think for some classes virtual classrooms are good, but to have them for a full schedule might cause some issues, to me. I never thought though how diverse an online class can be; because of the fact anyone can take them!
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