The traditional classroom is slowly being pushed out of existence by virtual learning. Students and teachers no longer need to be in the same space for learning to take place. Through gadgets like the phone, laptop, desktop computer, or tablet, a student can enroll for a degree course, complete, and graduate without stepping into a classroom.
Here are insights into the factors supporting virtual education and how individuals as well as institutions can enhance the effectiveness of virtual education at different levels.
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Availability of Technology
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Virtual education is largely supported by the availability of technology. Necessary technology includes gadgets, internet connectivity, and appropriate apps to mount a successful class session. In the recent past, a lot of developers have provided features on gadgets to support online learning. The features include better cameras, sound system, and a higher operating speed for ordinary gadgets.
Technology also makes it easier for students to study away from teachers and the school environment. For instance, students can access e-books online, eliminating the need to study in the library. They can also customer writing service and hold discussions with classmates through the support of technology. The challenges that dogged remote learning, like collaborative sessions or assignments, have been solved using such technology as conferencing apps. As a result, students can complete an entire course studying online without any inconvenience.
The Covid-19 Accelerator
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Covid-19 came with the requirement for isolation and social distancing. Schools closed while companies could not meet with clients. To bridge the communication and interaction gap, technology provided more efficient apps and features. The same features were transferred to the education system, enabling students in lower grades to utilize technology to learn.
Developers simplified conferencing apps and tools to accommodate lower grader. The simplification of technology was also meant to facilitate usage by the elderly and those who are not used to gadgets. Such developments helped technology companies to provide specific features for schools. Parents and learners can also set up virtual classrooms that are as efficient as the actual physical room. As a result, the trend was continued beyond the Covid-19 era.
The Rise of Skills Based Learning
The traditional learning method involved taking a full course for months or years. All courses come with filler segments that are not related to the skills you would like to acquire. However, the changing work and social environments require people to acquire particular skills within a specific time frame. Some of the students would be working already, eliminating the possibility of breaking to attend class. Virtual classes provided the best option.
Some of the courses that can be learned online include
- Languages
- Coding
- Leadership
- Professional certification
- Upgrading specific skills
Virtual classrooms allow a student to study during break, in the evening, or over weekend. It eliminates the need to disrupt normal work, that would result in loss of revenue. Students do not have to travel to other cities to attend classes. The convenience of virtual classes makes them attractive to students who wish to acquire advanced skills.
Expanded Catchment Area for Institutions
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Institutions are looking to serve a larger population to increase their profit margins while expanding access to education. A physical classroom comes with numerous limitations, especially the number of students you can accommodate. With virtual learning, the limits will be the technology you can mount.
Technology is helping institutions to expand their catchment area and increase student’s population in different ways.
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Recording Class Sessions
Students are not restricted to specific class sessions. A recorded video uploaded online is similar to attending a lecture. A student, therefore, studies at his free time, increasing access to study opportunities.
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E-books
Libraries come with limited space. The number of books will also be limited, denying the school a chance to serve more students. With e-books and other virtual learning materials, the school can serve a limitless student’s population.
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Live Streaming
Thousands can follow a lecture or class session through live streaming. Social media, college websites, and other platforms are used to reach more people. It is different from gathering the students in a limited lecture hall.
With such expanded access to education, colleges and institutions can serve more people. Through technology, research findings are spreading faster around the world. It serves to raise the profile of such institutions for providing access to more education opportunities.
Need to Keep Working While Studying
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Learning is an unending task. New insights emerge long after a person has left school. New skills are also required to adapt to the changing work environment. In the quest to upgrade their skills, they have been forced to abandon work, exposing them to financial challenges since some are adults with families and responsibilities. Virtual learning has significantly made it possible to advanced skills as well as study without leaving work.
Virtual sessions do not require you to move to a new town. At the same time, you can study at your most convenient time. It reduces the cost of advancing your skills. Further, you do not disrupt your normal schedule to study or advance your skills. It is, therefore, the most preferred mode of studying for adult learners who wish to sharpen their skills.
Reducing The Cost of Education
Virtual learning is cheaper and more convenient. Reducing the cost of setting up expensive infrastructure by the institution means that you can deliver the course at a lower price. It translates into increased access to education by people of all social statuses. The expanded learning opportunities also allow more people to acquire relevant skills.
Providing Technology Support
Actualizing virtual learning requires a lot of support to the teachers and students. Teachers require technology to prepare lessons and offer a seamless session. On the other hand, students need to follow the sessions seamlessly. Institutions should provide the simplest yet most efficient technology options. In case a student or tutor needs tech support, it should be readily available.
Virtual classrooms will be the norm of the future of education. Technology will play a crucial part in facilitating virtual learning. With adequate tech support, it will be easier for students to learn and tutors to deliver their lessons virtually.
