The virtual classroom is now a reference tool when it comes to organizing distance learning. This popularity can be explained in particular by the advent of hybrid training courses.
How does the virtual classroom work?
Interactive and accessible, the online classroom has thus freed itself from its label of “replacement solution” of face-to-face to become a pedagogical modality in its own right. Blended Learning.
However, offering virtual classes does not mean giving lessons behind a screen. Because in reality, it is a question of reproducing and adapting the teaching conditions in the “traditional” classroom to the virtual context.
So let's see How to create a virtual classroom effective for the training of learners.
Adapting the curriculum to the virtual classroom
We saw it, the virtual classroom is a device allowing the synchronous meeting of participants (trainer and learners) during a distance training session. Thanks to digital tools, it thus erases the constraints imposed by geographical distance.
But these same tools are also the weak point of this way of learning. In addition to its dependence on technology, it is indeed difficult to provide virtual courses over a full day, because the ability to concentrate behind a screen is much more limited.
Unlike face-to-face, building a virtual classroom therefore implies reconsidering the temporality of training. And, therefore, to adapt the educational program as a whole:
- creating and/or modifying course content;
- frequency of instruction;
- learning and learner participation materials (quizzes, videos, whiteboards, whiteboards, games, chat, slideshows, capsules from the platform) LMS...);
- modification of educational progress...
Articulating the online classroom to the training path
Conduct targeted educational activities. Perform joint work. Sharing feedback. Conduct a knowledge acquisition check. It must be said: the virtual classroom has the advantage of being versatile.
For example: at the beginning of learning, it can be used to present participants. This is in order to instill a collaborative spirit in the members of the formed team. Then, the virtual course can still be used as part of the skills development curriculum. To summarize, its use can thus occur at all stages of training.
Therefore, the integration of virtual classroom training modules is to be defined as early as the educational engineering phase. So that they can be linked to the training system in a logical way, at key moments, according to the objectives and results to be achieved.
Choosing a trainer who is comfortable with leading virtual classrooms
Facilitate a virtual classroom and lecturing are two educational models that are very different from each other. However, we mentioned it: remotely, the trainer cannot content himself with transmitting teaching vertically as he could do during a face-to-face session.
Indeed, virtual classrooms are mainly based on interactivity. Information, questions, and solutions must therefore emerge from the speech of student employees and from their joint thinking.
Thus, the virtual classroom trainers are no longer just teachers. In the context of online courses, they must encourage team participation and, therefore, position themselves as true educational facilitators.
Use collaborative tools for the virtual classroom
When we think of virtual classrooms, we immediately think of videoconferencing. However, while it is an undeniable asset, the exchange via webcams alone cannot summarize the virtual classroom.
Remember that this training modality must meet a real need for learners : meet up (online) for sharing a learning experience. That is, working, thinking and learning together, despite the distance.
For this, the activities carried out during a videoconference session should be enriched. In particular through the use of complementary educational tools, promoting collaborative learning, such as:
- the interactive whiteboard;
- split screen;
- the cat;
- e-learning modules from the LMS platform...
What is virtual classroom management?
Unlike e-learning where learners are free to follow the training course at their own pace, the virtual classroom relies on the simultaneous connection of all participants.
The integration of virtual classrooms with corporate training strategy therefore involves a specific organization. After drawing up the list of employees targeted by the apprenticeship, it is therefore necessary to:
- inform learners about how to register and participate in the videoconference;
- provide employees with useful technologies (webcam, headphones, microphone, etc.);
- provide the presence monitoring system.
In addition, information (registration, attendance certificate) useful to the virtual classroom management should ideally be implemented in the LMS in order to guarantee the compliance of the monitoring of trainees in training.
