The use of online learning and knowledge transfer programs has been steadily increasing for many decades, particularly among businesses with multiple locations. But, the widespread adoption of these programs became even more pronounced across all sectors of society. Institutions, organizations, businesses, and students have continued adapting to the new virtual environments, recognizing the tangible benefits of online classes. Understanding the benefits and features of these VLEs can help one devise hands-on training programs and courses.
What is a virtual learning environment (VLE)?
The virtual learning environment is similar but not the same as physical classrooms, except that all the facilities and infrastructure are available and delivered through a digital platform. Teachers deliver their lessons through audio and video tools. Both teachers and students can be in different locations during their sessions. Virtual Learning Environments work towards creating a learning process that does not deny students any benefits that they derive from an in-person learning environment.
Features of a virtual learning environment
Accessible
A virtual learning environment is a platform that provides educational content online. This feature makes it easily accessible to students and teachers. Technology has the leverage to create easy access without delays. Students are provided access to virtual classrooms with a link and a safe and secure authentication system from anywhere without restrictions.
Easy to use
The layout and interface are clear, and the design is clutter-free and organized with the right colors, font size, and instructions. Students are also given access to the content library and can track their progress.
Interactive
In both interactive and recorded sessions, the virtual learning environments allow students to raise questions, ask doubts, and interact with the teacher without any hindrance. This is generally done through the use of well-designed chat boxes or voice message apps.
Learner-centered
Just like a regular classroom, the content is student-centric, enabling them to learn completely without any lack of access to any associated content.
Flexible
Whether it is a live class or recording sessions, students have the option to access those classes in the future so that they can revisit them at their convenience and at their own pace.
Secure
Virtual learning environments have the highest levels of security to prevent any leak of the student’s information, progress, and grades.
Assess and report in real-time
The virtual learning environment also has stringent provisions in order to ensure fair evaluation of students based on their performance. The assessment process allows teachers to monitor students’ learning progress by tracking login frequency and session duration, generating reports, and providing support to students who require special attention.
Benefits of a virtual learning environment
The major benefit of a virtual learning environment is that it has drastically reduced the rates of dropouts. Many students are joining relevant courses and completing them. Accessibility from any part of the world using a mobile app or any digital device is another significant benefit. Digital online classes are also cost-effective for students as they save them the cost of transport and boarding. Organizations, too, save on considerable costs for infrastructure and equipment. Moreover, a teacher can teach more students online than in a physical class. Institutions pass on these cost benefits to the students, resulting in reduced fees.
Types of virtual learning environments
Synchronous virtual learning
Live digital classrooms in real time that facilitate live interaction between students and teachers, just like a regular classroom, are called synchronous virtual learning. It is more hands-on and consistent.
Asynchronous virtual learning
Pre-recorded presentations, videos, and lectures are built into the environment. The students can access these coursework at their own time and pace. In addition, the classes are fixed despite location and time zone differences. Assessments and evaluations are built-in to monitor student progress, and there are dedicated portals for communication between teachers and students.
Hybrid virtual learning
Hybrid combines elements of synchronous and asynchronous learning environments. In this mode, teachers conduct live classes and post these sessions as recorded versions for those who missed them. Assessment, too, can be done either live asynchronously or offline.
Ways to create one’s own virtual learning environment
Get a dedicated space ready
Get a room or a space that is quiet, ventilated space with uninterrupted internet. Make space to conveniently keep a laptop, desktop, or other devices. Try to organize notebooks and stationery for taking notes if required. Also, have a Bluetooth or audio device to listen to the classes without any distractions from external environments. Don’t forget to clean and keep the area clutter-free to resemble a classroom.
Understand the learning platform
Log in to the platform and understand how it works. Browse through the many tabs and pages to see how to access a course, track progress, track schedules, submit assessments, and access evaluations and feedback. Being prepared helps one to focus on the class and content from the get go.
Prepare a schedule
Treat the online classes as regular classes and stick to the schedule so that it becomes a habit. Stick to course completion and assessment schedules without putting them off. If one piles up coursework, they may suddenly find that they have too many incomplete courses and assessments, and attempting it at the last minute could waste time and effort.
Participate actively in class
Always be active in class and ask questions through chat or live voice feature. Respond if the teachers ask for feedback. A lively classroom improves learning just like in a regular class. Similarly, ask the teacher for feedback about the performance and participation.