Pandemic Learning: From the Classroom to the Webroom

The global spread of the Corona virus caused a halt in schooling, with online teaching and learning acting as a substitute. During the Corona crisis, online education gained attention. Although the trip from the classroom to the web room wasn’t expected or planned, it suddenly became necessary. Research and academics at this time began to prioritize studies on a variety of features of online learning. With the use of efficient methods for administering web rooms that may provide the required results from a virtual session, this research aims to highlight the contribution of online learning in the Corona crisis. In addition, this article explores expanding student support systems to help students learn well in virtual classrooms and develop as people.

Introduction

Due to learning being a constant requirement, virtual learning, which was previously an option, has gained popularity. Virtual learning provides flexibility that enables self-paced learning, overcomes cost affordability, accessibility with ease owing to sharing of internet space, and at the same time, the development of technology ignited the complete online learning pattern. The journey from the classroom to the virtual classroom ought to be treated fairly both educators and students. People need to recognize that although online learning saves time, the time required to create the material cannot ever be negotiable. The obstacles that we broom present must be overcome by students in order to absorb information. By managing Web rooms effectively and with appropriate manners, one may achieve their goals and see the results in a positive way. Education is not about one ounce of instruction being equivalent to one ounce of learning, as shown by the differences between the classroom and the virtual classroom. The result is determined by the efficacy of the instructor, the caliber and effectiveness of the information, and the aptitude and adaptability of the student. A student-centric strategy may help to overcome the web room’s limitations. Technology integration with prospective instructors may genuinely demonstrate blended learning in the future.

What is learning in a classroom?

The classroom is the most traditional setting for instruction, from the Gurukul model to contemporary schools of today. This kind of instruction has long been a necessary component of the educational system. With the use of resources like books, smart boards, projectors, and other learning tools, instructors and students are exposed to one another in a classroom environment. The physical presence of the teacher and pupils is the key component of the classroom.

How does virtual learning work?

A virtual classroom is a teaching and learning environment where participants may interact, communicate, see and discuss presentations, and engage with learning materials while working in groups, all in an online context, according to Techopedia. As a result, there is no clear definition.

With the use of online video conferencing software, it may be described as a platform that allows for the sharing of information, opinions, ideas, and instructions in an internet-created manner. The two types of virtual learning are synchronous virtual learning with an instructor onboard and live sessions, and asynchronous virtual learning where there is no active instructor and the students are exposed to learning online with the resources provided in the form of video, PowerPoint presentations, etc. MOOCs, boot camps, and the online delivery of lectures through videoconferencing are just a few examples of the different virtual forms of virtual learning.

e-learning during the Corona crisis

Corona has had a fatal effect on both economy and human life. The consequences of the corona have not spared any areas. While some sectors saw damage, some saw a paralysis, others saw growth Due to the complete closure of all schools and colleges throughout the world as a result of the bombs of Corona, the education sector was not left out. Running of schools and universities was also not a smart idea since the virus is very communicable, requiring social distance and less crowded. The whole situation has altered as a result of this infection, and we are also forced to change. Everyone who was impacted by Covid 19 learned patience and perseverance, which opened up new chances. This was online learning for the education sector, which provided the learning spirit a breath of fresh air in the middle of the viral outbreak. Teachers quickly became familiar with the new technology and enthusiastically welcomed their pupils into the online room as a fresh learning opportunity. The spread of the Corona virus across all nations has brought attention to online education, which is not new. Online education cannot take the place of traditional classroom instruction, but it is unquestionably preferable than inaction.

Point of Difference between Classroom and Online Learning Internet classroom

Interaction’s Purpose Due to the lecturer and students’ physical proximity, the classroom offers several opportunities for conversation and problem-solving. The amount of interaction is somewhat less, but features like chat boxes and Q&A sessions still operate to make virtual learning dynamic.

Source of Delivery The physical location of the classroom is where lectures are delivered in a real-world situation. The internet is used to deliver lectures virtually on an online platform.

Resources for Instruction Vocal mode with books, PowerPoint presentations, assignments, and creative learning games are employed as instructional materials. PowerPoint presentations, video, audio, online tests, and online polls are all utilized as teaching aids.

Perishabilty Learners retain information from their classroom experiences. In the classroom, retrieving the session is quite challenging; nevertheless, it is possible with recording, albeit it is an expensive alternative. Virtual learning is often conducted on websites that provide tools for capturing information that may be referred to later.

Instructor and student-centered In the classroom, the emphasis is primarily on the students, and every effort is made to ensure that they are happy. Because it is harder to monitor students’ interest in a web room, the teacher is given greater attention.

Dimensions of Personalization Open vocal communication between the instructor and learners helps the teacher to increase the scope of personalization with pupils. Low scope for engagement and a constrained time constraint further limit the potential for personalization.

Leaning Period Since there is a lot of flexibility for incorporating various types of learning materials, classes may be held for extended periods of time. Due to constant screen exposure, web rooms cannot be used for extended periods of time to study. The length is dramatically cut to half of the live lecture.

Controlling the virtual classroom

Students’ facial expressions, learning pleasure in their eyes, and approachability to students are all lacking in the web room, which calls for the addition of numerous suggestions and strategies to keep the space lively. The following advice may be used to handle virtual classrooms successfully.

1. Always prepare your lesson plan before class to ensure that it will be managed efficiently. This may be achieved by extensive planning and subject comprehension.

Always make sure the pupils have received the message well in advance. It might be challenging for students to mentally prepare for and absorb last-minute information.

To prevent students from having any questions or misunderstandings, the message of notification must simply describe the subject that will be covered, the length and duration of the session, along with the appropriate date, and include the materials that must be brought to the session.

making sure that the hardware and software are set up properly for the lecture. While software consists of the online platform and the required software to execute the programs during online lectures, hardware might be a PC/Laptop or a mobile device.

ensuring constant internet access to prevent roadblocks and technical issues during lectures.

The teacher must participate in a trial session to test out the many alternatives for conducting lectures accessible on the online platform.

2. Ongoing Classroom Etiquette: The teacher should greet the class and make an effort to interact with them right away.

Last session review to reacquaint pupils with the subject that came to an end in the previous session.

Effective time management is using the available time in a productive manner for students’ learning.

Quizzes and polls should be used as often as feasible to ensure student participation in the virtual environment. For live voting during sessions, you may utilize services like voxvote, easypolls, and directpoll. Google Forms, Quiziz, and TestMoz may be used to administer quizzes to gauge student attention in the classroom.

Gamify alternatives should be employed with the aid of cost-effective websites like Kahoot, Classcraft, and Classdojo to make the online lecture environment vibrant.

Use the chatbox to solicit ideas, recommendations, and affirmations from the students. Managing an online lecture with interactivity in this manner is efficient.

To keep the students on their toes, questions should be given at random to different individuals each time.

As it is stated, a good beginning calls for a good conclusion, therefore the session should conclude with a quick review of the subject, with the students’ thoughts and criticism being welcomed, as well as a proper session for clearing up any misconceptions.

3. Post-Classroom Protocol:

Give the students a topical assignment so they may delve further into the session’s discussion.

checking the list of pupils who missed class and attempting to determine why.

Analysis of the feedback should be done before incorporating any useful suggestions into subsequent sessions.

Getting Students Ready for Online Learning

Because of their stress, lack of acceptance, hesitancy, or resource shortage, some students may still not be ready to join as a result of the classroom to web room transfer. As is often believed, the greatest motivation for a teacher is a happy student in the class. The success of a web room depends heavily on student engagement and not only on the quality of the materials and the effectiveness of the instructor. The balance must be struck by educating the pupils for virtual learning as well. Teachers require training to become prepared and successful teachers. Students may be supported in this by the strategies described below.

Yoga as a mental support system: Educating students about the value of yoga and getting them involved in it may do wonders for their capacity to build mental stability, focus, and deep thinking, as well as their ability to manage stress.

Providing infrastructure: There may be some students who lack the necessary hardware or internet access. For these students, cost may be an issue. To maintain a seamless internet connection, educational institutions can strive to come up with ways like collaborating with cyber cafes or working with authorities.

Flexibility: Since virtual learning is heavily reliant on technology, there should be some flexibility. For example, students who miss classes due to connection issues should be given access to recorded lectures or reference videos along with appropriate learning materials. This will make it possible for slow learners to study at their own speed.

Psychological assistance: The student may be experiencing a number of problems inside. These situations should be discovered by instructors via dialogue and children requiring mental treatment should be well-counseled by a professional. The signs might include a loss of focus, absenteeism, or lack of interest.

Be a First Aid Teacher: Teachers must engage with students to find answers in addition to asking questions in class. Students will grow in confidence and motivation as a result of this.

Conclusion

The transition from a traditional classroom to a virtual learning environment will not happen overnight; rather, it will need active collaboration between instructors, students, and authorities to reshape, rethink, and restructure the traditional classroom learning environment. Online education can not necessarily replace traditional classroom instruction, but blended learning opportunities may undoubtedly help students who lack access to an education because of its accessibility, flexibility, and cost. When acting as a facilitator, an instructor may make an online experience more rewarding by providing high-quality information, making presentations, and managing virtual classrooms effectively. In contrast to traditional practice, the boundary between the classroom and the entrance to the web room has to be linked energetically.