Somewhere along the timeline on the Internet, you might have come across the line, ‘Modern Problems Require Modern Solutions’. We, humans, live in a society which is progressing towards a future where almost everything will be virtually enhanced. Today we can shop online, order food online, conduct webinars, video call our loved ones, etc. Not to forget to add about how the millennials are into studying online! This all has been possible due to advancement in the technology. At Meru, we make sure that our students and teachers make full use of virtual school technology to study and complete the syllabus. Now let us discuss and explore the advantages and disadvantages of Virtual Classroom. Let us start from the very basic step.
Virtual Learning is a combination of computer software and the Internet to deliver instructions/lectures to students. It is a way to enhance the learning experience using technology, whether at home or at an educational organization. (Of course, it is not about learning in the air, just grabbing the flying information around and feeding it to our brain!)
Now, remember the line from above para about modern solutions? Well, Virtual Learning is one of them. You may ask how is it the modern solution. To it, we say that keeping in mind the COVID-19 pandemic situation; everyone is indoors and there are no schools, colleges, tuition classes, etc. functional. But learning should not stop. It must continue, and the only means to keep it going is learning through virtual classrooms.
In a virtual classroom, participants or students can view, communicate, interact, and discuss various topics and also have a one-to-one session with their instructor. The video-conferencing tool has made it possible to connect at the same time through the Internet. And the best part is, you can be together virtually, from any part of the world.
Like every other technology, virtual classes, too, has its benefits and drawbacks. Let us dive into the details of the advantages and disadvantages of the virtual classroom.
Advantages Of Virtual Classroom:
As you can already observe, computers have entered almost every sector in the world and education is no exception. Virtual learning or online virtual classrooms are more flexible where the learner is not restricted to a single class and can study anytime and anywhere.
1. Time-Saving
You save multiple precious hours and a ton of money by learning online at the comfort of your living room. Live virtual classes save the commute’s time and money as there is no need to step out of the house to go to the school/college to learn. Also, study at a specified time and manage all the other chores of your home without any trouble.
2. Increased Convenience
Virtual learning is flexible, and there are no restrictions on getting late to the class or missing out on lectures, etc. With fewer limitations and more ease, learners can complete their respective courses taking their own sweet time and whenever it is feasible for them. It also helps them in absorbing class content efficiently, complete their assignments with focus, take exams/tests at the time which suits them best.
3. Sharpen Digital Skills
Many people find the sharpening of one’s digital skills quite impressive. The learner not only learns the subjects/courses online but also keeps learning how to be a pro in using digital platforms. It helps develop skills and increase knowledge in the area of study.
4. Super Affordable
Virtual learning saves money for both the parties, i.e., for the student and the organization. The cost to set up a class with necessary amenities is not of any concern when teaching goes digital. Similarly, for the students, money is saved when they do not need to go to the organization to study.
5. Immediate Test & Exam Results
Instant feedback is one of the most significant benefits of the virtual classroom. The time that is taken to receive results after the online exams is reduced, and one can get to take a look at their performance results much earlier.
Disadvantages Of Virtual Classroom:
When there are advantages, there are disadvantages of virtual classrooms too. Let us take a look at them.
1. Infrastructural Challenges
Initially, there is a lot of expenditure to set up online classes. The infrastructure needs an upgrade to support the new tech. And in many cases, a lacking infrastructure forms a hurdle in supporting live virtual classes.
2. Extra Training
When using new tech, it is essential to know about it first. There are very few students and trainers who are well versed with the whole process. There are fewer chances of technical issues if the trainer or the student know how to troubleshoot them. Also, few teachers find it challenging to prepare soft copies of the lectures/notes. Hence there is always a need to have IT support that trains teachers and students time and again.
3. Lack Of Social & Emotional Skills
Since the classes take place over the Internet there isn’t much interaction or face-to-face communication among the students. Hence one can observe that there is a loss of social and emotional skills in the child.
4. Physical Activity Is Compromised
When at school, students move around, play, run and do all kinds of activities that keep them fit. The PT classes, sports, dance, etc., help them to be physically active. Online learning reduces their activity and leaves them confined to their desk and laptop, just staring at the screen to learn what they have signed up for.
5. Effects Of Excess Screen Time On Students
We all know how the blue light of these screens is damaging to a large extent. Constantly staring at the screen damages eyes and may lead to many problems in the future. Regular breaks are advised when using laptop/phone screens.
6. Reduced Personal Interaction Between Teacher & Students:
With the teaching going digital, there is no physical approach in having a brainstorming or a Q&A session between teachers and students. The essence of a physical classroom is lost with the advent of technology and digital classes.
Meru International School is a tech-savvy institute which is focussed on equipping the students and teachers with the latest measures to overcome situations like the one which we face – Pandemic Lockdown. Since the school building is shut, we made sure that the study process of our students isn’t hampered. We are regularly conducting classes virtually / online and ensuring that our students are up to date in terms of their studies and knowledge. We support the introduction and use of the latest technologies and are always ready to learn. What do you think about these virtual classes? Let us know!
