Virtual+Classrooms

= =
 * Virtual Classrooms**

flat =Description=

Virtual classrooms consist of on-demand hands-on training that can be delivered anywhere and anytime. These real-time interactions take place over the internet and incorporate audio and video, chat tools, and application sharing features. Users participate using an application that makes the virtual space more than a chat room or video conferencing. Increased functionality is included in the form of electronic whiteboards and polling to make the experience personalized and engaging. Virtual classrooms go beyond passive viewing of online content to provide the user with an interactive online learning experience.

=Purpose=

Virtual classrooms serve to expand the sphere of learning by turning classrooms into virtual learning communities which are accessible from any location or at any time. Allowing classes to meet online allows instructors to design lessons which engage students on multiple levels. Instructors can integrate multiple Web 2.0 tools as well as create unique environments to facilitate learning. Students have the ability to use the Internet as a resource and instantly collaborate with their colleagues before, during and after class. Overall, these virtual learning communities allow users to gain experiences which help to facilitate learning which may not happen in a standard classroom.

=Features=

Features of virtual classrooms are comprehensive and varied from group enrollment, self-registration, and web scheduling, to tracking and reporting of enrollment, attendance and performance. The presenter can use the whiteboard, upload a pre-recorded presentation, present in real time, or share the desktop or other applications. Participants can use VoIP, chat, raise hand, step out and web cameras during the class. Polling, surveys and questions add to the interactivity. Sessions can be recorded and edited before playback. Data can be tracked or exported or saved in an online notebook.

Virtual classrooms also allow for:
 * Unlimited attendance
 * Resource views available onscreen.
 * Flexible scheduling.
 * Students can access the class from any location with internet access.
 * Real-time progress monitoring.
 * Recording and playback of sessions.
 * On-demand scheduling

=Strengths=

Depending on the individual software the strengths of virtual classrooms vary, however there are several common characteristics which a majority of the virtual classrooms display.
 * 1) Remote Instruction - Instructors have the ability to hold classes remote locations while their students are in completely separate locations
 * 2) LGI - Being a virtual classroom the instructor can teach to a large number of students at once without having a large room.
 * 3) Built in recording software so users can replay instructional sessions.

=Weaknesses=

While there is a great benefit in the mobility and repetition of instruction through the virtual classroom, there are a few draw backs when trying to incorporate standard in class teaching products.
 * 1) In class products and group work - The virtual classroom offers an opportunity to continue to collaborate and make products with a group. Through the virtual classroom, projects might need to be manipulated to work as efficiently. Organization of materials and the completing basic group work requires a few more hoops to jump through as opposed to sitting at a table with a piece of chart paper, markers and group members.
 * 2) Accountability- When in a classroom, through assessments and observations it is easy to ensure that all members are engaged in the learning and fulfilling their role. In a virtual classroom, participation is frequently a criteria for evaluation but is more challenging to assess.
 * 3) Technical issues- Like in all technology, when it doesn't want to work, you have to scramble and find an alternative. The time frame that you are experiencing difficulty, you are completely disconnected from the learning going on. Regardless of how long you are experiencing the challenges, it is difficult to jump right back in and fill in the gaps of information and instruction.

=Pros=


 * More affordable than those offered at colleges or trade schools. They also eliminate the hidden fees of commutating and meal plans
 * More convenient to take class around your work and social schedule
 * Flexibility deciding when to complete assignments and readings
 * Available and Accessible for distance-learning from anywhere you have a computer and internet access
 * Set your own pace and schedule
 * Within an online asynchronous discussion structure, the learner is able to carefully reflect on each comment from others before responding or moving on to the next item.
 * Allows for high level of dynamic interaction between the instructor and students and among the students themselves.
 * Resources can be easily linked to the course

=**Cons**=


 * Lag: Using virtual environments as a collaborative tool is only as strong as the weakest link. If one user has a slow connection, collaboration will not be optimal.
 * Disconnect from content or users due to physical disconnect or misuse of media and presentation.
 * Success of the Virtual Classroom depends on the presenter not only being a proficient teacher but also be proficient in content knowledge but how to engage students in technological learning.
 * Academic Honest can be an issue for presenters because of the ease of utilizing internet resources during class presentation.
 * Security: Data breaches, spam, viruses, authentication issues, and the hazard of opening corporate intranets up to unauthorized users can be disadvantages of virtual environments.
 * To see more on the security issues, please visit: **[]**
 * Learning terminology and protocol can sometimes be time-consuming; therefore precious content learning time can be taken up with learning terminology, which some users may already know.
 * Technical limitations: Not all users have top of the line equipment, which means there are technical limitations to the presentation of content being produced.

=Considerations=

Virtual classroom/meeting programs come with varying degrees of "bells and whistles." Before a decision is made on which type of program to select, there are many questions that should be considered.
 * 1) How will the program be used? Why types of training will be held? What are the participant and facilitator expecting to accomplish?
 * 2) What is the functionality of the program? Exactly what types of "bells and whistles" come with this particular program.
 * 3) Is the performance compatible with the technical environment?What are the costs? What do they cover?
 * 4) How will the virtual classroom be used?
 * 5) What do you want the participants to be able to see/do? What type of support is included in the price?
 * 6) Is training provided through the vendor? Is this at a cost or included?
 * 7) What are the "show stoppers" that determine whether this program will work for you or not i.e. must use VoIP
 * 8) Will you need an assistant to help you with your Virtual Classroom?
 * 9) Can video or other rich media be used in the Virtual Classroom?
 * 10) Will your learners be able to understand the interface? Is it simple to use to others?
 * 11) Does the company offer toll-free technical support?
 * 12) Is it browser based or a CD installation?
 * 13) How is the internet connection between you and your learners?

=Leading Tools=

There are hundeds of programs that a buyer has access to purchase. Most of the leading tools provide the same types of tools, logon capabilities, facilitator views etc. Making a list of what types of criteria that your program must have or you would like to have by doing a Use Case Analysis report would be a good exercise prior to making a selection. Listed below are some of the leading tools: a commercial subscription-based [|web conferencing] service operated by [|Microsoft]. Live Meeting includes software that is installed on client PCs, and uses a central server for all clients to connect to.
 * [|Webex] Web conferencing tool that incorporates desktop sharing, phone, and video conferencing. Need a mobile device or computer with internet connection, audio connection through phone or computer, and a webcam (optional). A Cisco product.
 * [|Adobe Connect] Web conferencing tool used for online meetings, eLearning, and webinars.
 * [|GoToMeeting] Conferencing tool that allows for unlimited meetings for up to 15 participants for a flat fee.
 * [|IBM LotusLive Engage] Suite of collaboration tools that combine social networking, collaboration, conferencing, and file sharing.
 * [|Elluminate Live] This is a web tool used to conduct virtual meetings and training session. Blackboard has recently acquired elluminate and has made it part of the blackboard platform.
 * [|HP Virtual Rooms] Another online virtual tool to conduct meetings, customer briefings, training events, and team collaboration. The software has the ability to s hare your desktop, present, or collaborate, and store files right in your personal meeting room
 * [|Microsoft Live Meeting]
 * [|Adobe] Complete integrated toolbox for creating eLearning environments.
 * [|iLinc] A web conferencing tool using industry virtual classroom technology.
 * [|WizIQ] A virtual classroom tools that has no downloads, unlimited attendees, and recording capabilities.
 * [|Cisco WebEx] Is a web conferencing, collaboration, and instructional tool.

=Open Source Options=

In addition to the commerically available programs for virtual classroom, there are open source options. Listed below are various open source options:
 * Wiziq education.online
 * dimdim: Dimdim provides a web-based solution for realtime collaboration and meetings. Users can share desktops, show slides, collaborate, chat, and broadcast via web-cam. It can be integrated with Moodle and does not restrict the number of attendes. It has been criticized for a lack of communication between the developers and the dimdim community. The company was bought by Salesforce in January of 2011.
 * Squidoo: Squidoo is a community web site on which users create pages called lenses, to promote and investigate their areas/subjects of interest. It allows users to create media-rich pages without knowing HTML. The site employs revenue sharing; half of the revenue generated goes to the people who have actually built the pages on the site.
 * Manhattan Virtual Classroom: Manhattan Virtual Classroom is a web-based course management system. It includes its own private email system, a variety of discussion groups, and runs on Linus or other Unix-like systems. This CMS has a lot of users among colleges based in the north-east.
 * Global Virtual Classroom: The Global Virtual Classroom is just what its name suggests. It is a global, free, online collection of educational resources. It hopes to empower and connect students and teachers around the world in cross-cultural learning, collaboration, and understanding.
 * [|Educadium] offers self-paced training delivery in a virtual classroom environment in a cloud-hosted LMS. Free for up to 25 users.
 * [|SkyTap] Skytap's cloud-based **//virtual classroom//** solution offers significant advantages for training organizations: ability to offer Web-based distance learning courses, faster classroom set-up and deployment, and a true 'hands-on' student experience.
 * [|OpenWonderland] is an open source toolkit for creating collaborative 3D virtual worlds.

=Content Providers=

** CILC (Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration) **
 * Create and account: @http://www.cilc.org/c/misc/join_now.aspx
 * Content Providers: @http://www.cilc.org/c/education/content_provider_programs.aspx
 * For a specific title (for example: solar system), type a word (or words - keep it brief and simple, try not to use plurals) in the Keyword search box provided. Click Search.
 * At the next screen, in the Program Cost box, change 'any amount' to 'Free'. Click the Search button again. A list of Free videoconferences for that specific title (if available) will appear.
 * To access a complete current listing of FREE videoconferences within a subject area, click in the Keyword search box once. Type a topic. (For example: Health.) Click the Search button.
 * At the next screen, in the Program Cost box, change 'any amount' to 'Free'. Click the Search button again. A list of Free videoconferences for that subject area (if available) will appear.
 * You may also use different combinations of Keyword and Program Cost selections to narrow your search.
 * Program Search
 * Award Winning Programs


 * NASA DLN (Digital Learning Network)**
 * http://www.nasa.gov/offices/education/programs/national/dln/#.VQM8OY54rAw
 * Free STEM based video conferencing events and professional development.
 * Use the Event Catalog to view sessions, grade levels, topics, and standards.


 * The Cleveland Museum of Art**
 * @http://www.clevelandart.org/learn/in-the-classroom/distance-learning
 * Contains a collection of virtual sessions that are organized by grade levels.
 * Teacher workshops
 * Rates, Schedule, and Connections


 * Pro Football Hall of Fame**
 * @http://www.profootballhof.com/hall/distancelearning.aspx
 * Heart of a Hall of Famer Series allows students to connect with current NFL Hall of Fame athletes to discuss character education.
 * Includes pre and post visit activity guides.


 * Glacier Bay Nation Park & Preserve**
 * @http://www.nps.gov/glba/learn/education/learning/index.htm
 * Live interactive visits with park rangers at Glacier Bay National Park