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Kamaldeep
11 September, 2024
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“The great aim of education is not knowledge but action.” – Herbert Spencer.
Education is a free-floating essence of knowledge where nothing can stop you from moving forward. Each of us is an expert on certain topics, subjects or skills. In this changing world, education plays a crucial role. How you learn, unlearn and relearn something is done through the process of learning on educational grounds. The importance of learning is beyond books and pages. Lifelong learning contributes to personal fulfilment in many ways.
Learning goes beyond the physical walls, and it has shown its true form of dedication during the COVD-19. Where we were pushed into our rooms with just and internet connection to learn from. Virtual classrooms came to our rescue, they gave us the knowledge, comfort and belongingness that we needed in order to learn.
This reflects the importance of virtual classrooms along with offline classes. Where offline classes might focus on practical learning, virtual classes focus on your active learning. In this blog, we are going to discuss the essentials of virtual classrooms, it effectiveness through a comparative study of both virtual and offline classes. Please note that there are no limits of learning, be it virtual or offline. However, which one you can benefit from is the essence here. Let’s get you seated and begin the journey.
The battle of the classrooms has been actively debated on the internet, however there has been no final verdict. That is the beauty of education; it has multiple resources based on an individual’s aspirations. In order to conclude any verdict you are personally required to make a list of pros and cons. You should be able to decide which one works the best for you. Online or offline, the path depends on your personal choice. Here is how you can differentiate from both:
| Online Classes | Offline Classes |
| Flexible schedule | Fixed schedule |
| Learn anywhere | Classroom-based |
| Tech-dependent learning | Face-to-face interaction |
| Self-paced study | Structured environment |
| Virtual interaction | Immediate feedback |
| Recorded lectures | Hands-on activities |
| Less commuting | Social engagement |
| Wide course access | Routine-based |
| Distraction-prone | Limited course variety |
| Requires discipline | Active participation |
Virtual classrooms have increased the efficiency and participation of students. However, it is not always a smooth sailing journey for all. There are multiple blunders and oops moments in virtual classrooms. One of the common virtual classroom barriers is internet connectivity issues. While the educator fast forward to the next chapter you may struggle to catch up due to distributive connectivity. Well, it’s common, but let us tell you more about the multiple challenges faced by virtual learners around the globe.
Imagine gearing up for an important lecture, only for your internet to decide it’s time for a nap! You might find yourself battling with unstable connections, leading to frozen screens and missed key points. Frustrating, right? A reliable internet connection would be your best friend here, saving you from the constant struggle of refreshing and reconnecting.
Staying focused during a virtual class can feel like running a marathon. You may find it challenging to remain engaged when distractions are just a click away. Moreover, without the physical presence of your classmates and teachers, keeping your attention on the lesson could be a real task. But don’t worry; finding ways to make your virtual learning space more engaging would help you stay on track.
Ever been in the middle of an important discussion, only for your microphone or camera to betray you? Technology glitches can pop up at the worst possible times, leaving you scrambling to fix them. You might need to become a mini tech expert to navigate these hiccups, ensuring your virtual learning experience isn’t constantly interrupted by technical issues.
Learning from the comfort of your home sounds great, but it can get lonely sometime. You could miss out on the social interactions that make learning more enjoyable and meaningful. The lack of in-person connections might make you feel isolated, affecting your motivation and overall learning experience. However, staying connected with your peers through virtual meet-ups would keep the loneliness at bay.
When you’re learning online, staying motivated can sometimes feel like climbing a mountain. With no one physically there to push you, you might struggle to keep up with deadlines and assignments. It’s easy to lose track of time and priorities, but setting clear goals and staying organised would help you maintain your momentum and stay on top of your work.
Spending hours staring at a screen can be exhausting. You might find yourself battling headaches, eye strain, or just feeling drained after a long day of virtual classes. Taking regular breaks and practising good screen habits would help you avoid burnout and keep your energy levels up.
Not everyone has the same access to technology, and this can create a gap in learning opportunities. You could face challenges if your devices or internet connection aren’t up to par, limiting your ability to participate fully in online classes. However, seeking out resources and support would help you bridge this gap and ensure you don’t fall behind.
“Online interactive tools have effectively boosted student participation and raised average marks by 20% (Lokare et al., 2021)”.
Increased Engagement: You would notice higher participation through interactive tools, making learning more dynamic and inclusive.
Flexible Learning: Virtual classrooms allow you to learn at your own pace, fitting your studies around your personal and professional commitments.
Accessibility Anywhere: You can access lessons from anywhere, eliminating the need for commuting and making learning more convenient.
Personalised Learning: You can tailor your learning experience to suit your needs, focusing on areas where you want to improve.
Diverse Resources: Virtual classrooms offer a wide range of resources, from videos to online quizzes, enriching your learning experience.
Enhanced Collaboration: You can easily collaborate with classmates through online platforms, fostering teamwork and peer learning.
Recorded Sessions: You would benefit from recorded lectures, allowing you to revisit complex topics and revise at your convenience.
Skill Development: Virtual learning hones your digital skills, which is essential for thriving in today’s tech-driven world.
The virtual classroom has a space for everyone. It’s an inclusive space however, it comes with multiple barriers. In today’s 21st century, there are multiple active problem resolutions for multiple virtual classrooms. There has been more than just watching an online PPTS. The virtual world has introduced e-library, breakout rooms, virtual reality, gamification tools and LMS. The upgrade from offline classes has reached its top game.
The virtual classroom has been preferred by multiple students around the globe due to its efficiency and easy to learn methods. However, if you are someone who wants to be involved on-site and experience the essentials of learning then offline learning could be an option for you. The cost for both differs while online is budget friendly where as offline classes could be heavier on the pocket. The final verdict depends on you. You can select based on the above pointers or by trying out both. Remember, learning requires action. All the best.
