What is a Virtual Classroom

The virtual classroom is a technology that can effectively be used as a teaching tool for students. The Virtual classroom allows students to fully access all the materials they require for a class online so that they do not need to attend scheduled classes (Hiltz 431). This is made possible through the use of a cyber environment that can be accessed by both students and teachers with the use of a computer (Hiltz 431). The Virtual Classroom is a registered online system that links multiple computers together for the purposes of learning and teaching alike (Hiltz 431).

In order for a given person to be able to use a virtual classroom, the student or teacher must first install the software on their computer (Hiltz 431). After the software is installed students can use it to send and receive messages to and from their classmates and professors, readily interact with students and teachers, read and comment on lecture materials such as online texts and recorded talks, take tests online, and receive feedback from their teachers and classmates (all without having to step foot in a tangible classroom) (Hiltz 431).

The primary purpose of the virtual classroom is to readily provide access to classes to those who might not have access to it in regular circumstances, whether it be due to various time constraints that prevent a person from going to regularly scheduled class (i.e. jobs, family etc.) or being in a different city or town than the institution that you wish to study at (Hiltz 431).

The use of a virtual classroom can be accessed by full time and part time students from anywhere with a computer and an internet connection, which makes it ideal for anyone in almost any situation. Although, the use of a virtual classroom isn’t necessarily just each student facing a computer screen for an entire class as mixed mode classes have also been offered in the past (Hiltz 432). In mixed mode classes, the class will be comprised of anywhere from 25 to 75 percent online with to rest being offered in class (Hiltz 432). This combination allows students to still have in person classes, just not as many of them as these types of classes only meet once every one or two weeks as opposed to a typical classes multiple meetings each week, which is perfect for busy students who still want to have a face to face class.

I hope this post helps you understand the subject a bit more!

 Source:
 Hiltz, Starr Roxanne, and Meinke Robert. "Teaching Sociology in a Virtual Classroom."
            Teaching Sociology 17.4 (1989): 431-46. Web.