Reading in the Virtual Classroom

Virtual learning is just hard for students. Virtual classes can be as hard as traditional college courses, sometimes even more so. In virtual learning, there is a chance to miss important information in the class or be confused about the material. When students are physically present in front of a teacher, the teacher has solved their problems instantly. They have the opportunity to make sure each student is getting the specific help that they need. Students can ask questions as they arise and teachers can give immediate answers. But, an online classroom is much more difficult than having school in person for both students and the teacher. Sometimes many teachers have resorted to giving their students videos to watch instead of instructing them themselves. But For many students in India digital technologies have not been very effective.

The best way to learn is to ask doubts or questions., although it is very difficult to do online. A big issue, especially with some students returning to school, is the availability of the teacher. This is very much hard for teachers to balance between students online and in school. Online school has brought an increase in joining teachers. At school, students are given assignments and have entire class periods that are solely focused on getting their work done with assistance and input from the teacher. At home, students are expected to be self-directed. But, at the house, there is an increased amount of distractions and great opportunities to lose focus on the work given. The distractions arise because of the number of time students spend on asynchronous learning. At school, 100% of the day is synchronous learning.

Obstacles Students Face in a Virtual Classroom:

1. Difficulty Learning to Use New Technology.
2. Difficulty Concentrating.
3. Difficulty Managing Time.
4. Isolation.
5. The problem is in internet connectivity.
6. Physical and mental pressure.
7. Need to find the time to self-study.
8. In-Person Communication.
9. Self Motivation.
10. Effective Learning.

COVID-19 pandemic influenced all walks of life. It also includes the higher education sector. Since the pandemic in March 2020, lockdown, social distancing, work from home, and online classes became part of our life. Virtual classes replaced regular offline classes. Many schools and colleges worldwide suspended classroom teaching due to this pandemic and switched to online teaching. Virtual education provides an opportunity for self-study, but many students have no access to online teaching due to a lack of instruments and poor economic conditions. Virtual classes have become the need of the hour for students across the globe. Virtual classes offer flexibility and an ample variety of academic opportunities, such as studying from any location with affordable fees, saving time and money. The advantages of online classes are immense. Students can enjoy the benefits of online classes that they might not be able to while attending face-to-face classes due to various reasons.

Disadvantages of Virtual Learning:

Virtual Learning Requires Self-Discipline. This also requires Additional Training for Instructors. Virtual Classes Are Prone to Technical Issues. Students are exposed to more screen time. Students will be responsible for their learning. Technical gadgets cause addiction, time-waster, and causes distractions, bullying, trolls, stalkers, crime, spam and advertising, pornographic and violent images, never being able to disconnect from work, identity theft, hacking, viruses, and cheating.

Benefits of Virtual Classes for Students:

After the pandemic online learning has emerged all over the world. Most of us are aware that online classes are a completely different experience from the traditional classroom setup.

1. The “Homely” Advantage- Digital learning has made learning interesting and fun for students. Earlier, students had two options.
2. Escape the Traffic- Online classes have eliminated the necessity of traveling daily to attend coaching classes, that too after school.
3. Saves your Time and Money- One of the key advantages of virtual classrooms is that you can save your energy, time, and money. You have some time to refresh yourself.
4. Best Online Guidance- You can get 24×7 assistance through virtual classes.
5. Instant Doubt Resolution- You can clarify your doubts instantly on the spot with the online teacher.
6. Increased Convenience and Flexibility- Virtual classes are much more convenient and flexible as compared to traditional learning platforms. Virtual classes have flexibility, which allows you to balance your schoolwork and your hobby.
7. Enhances Self-Discipline- Virtual classes strengthen your self-discipline. Virtual classes enhance physical fitness, mental stability and even build better relationships.
8. Optimize focus- Headphones help you to calm down during virtual classes and you can avoid disturbance. Virtual classes are much easier for you to focus on what you’re doing. Students can concentrate and study in the right environment.
9. Networking Opportunities- It provides you a chance to network with teachers across the nation or even different countries.
10. Work from anywhere, at any time- It gives you flexible working hours.
11. Less intimidating- In an online environment, you can share thoughts with others.
12. More time to think before sharing- In an online environment, students can spend as much time as they want thinking about and honing their ideas.
13. Focus on ideas- Virtual education eliminates physical judgments that can cloud rational discussion.
14. Group communication- Virtual communication allows students to work with team members via email, chat rooms, and other easy-to-use methods.
15. Flexible learning schedule- Virtual programs are built the same, many use PowerPoint presentations and other media that students can digest in pieces.
16. Cost- In virtual classes, students can save money by avoiding many fees typical of campus-based education, including lab fees, commuting costs, parking, hostels, etc.
17. Diversity- The online student can take a Chinese course from a teacher in China and a travel-writing course from a writer who’s actually out traveling, without having to leave home.
18. Instructor availability- Professors can also help online at night or during intermissions to address questions, leave comments, and more.

Some other advantages of a virtual classroom:

1. Convenient.
2. It offers flexibility.
3. Bring education right to your home.
4. Offer more individual attention.
5. Help you meet interesting people.
6. Give you real-world skills.
7. Promote life-long learning.
8. Financial benefits.
9. Connect you to the global village.
10. Good time-management skills
11. Create a sense of isolation.
12. More independent.
13. Active learner.
14. Instructor hounding you to stay on task.
15. More freedom.
16. Show the unique path to learning.
17. Easier to procrastinate

Also read: Online Classes vs. Traditional Classroom Learning

FAQs:

Que 1:Write down some advantages of virtual learning?

Ans: Some advantages of virtual learning are

• Convenient.
• It offers flexibility.
• Bring education right to your home.
• Offer more individual attention.
• Help you meet interesting people.
• Give you real-world skills.
• Promote life-long learning.
• Financial benefits.
• Teach you to be self-disciplined.
• Connect you to the global village.
• Good time-management skills
• Create a sense of isolation.
• More independent.
• Active learner.

Que 3: Write down some disadvantages of virtual learning?

Ans: Virtual Classes Are Prone to Technical Issues. Students are exposed to more screen time. Students will be responsible for their learning. Technical gadgets cause addiction, time-waster, and causes distractions, bullying, trolls, stalkers, crime, spam and advertising, pornographic and violent images, never being able to disconnect from work, identity theft, hacking, viruses, and cheating.

Que 4: What is the difference between online and offline classes?

Ans: Virtual learning is hard for students. Virtual classes can be as hard as traditional college courses, sometimes even more so. When students are physically present in front of a teacher, the teacher has the opportunity to make sure each student is getting the specific help that they need. Students can ask questions as they arise and teachers can give immediate answers. Asking questions is the best way to learn, although it is very difficult to do online. A big issue, especially with some students returning to school, is the availability of the teacher.