What does a traditional classroom look like?
Most of our students experience this type of classroom in their everyday, from grade school to high school. Virtual classrooms are challenging the definition of what a classroom is by creating innovate "spaces" for student learning.
How to Build a Effective Virtual Classroom
Just like a traditional classroom the basis of a virtual classroom is a solid standards based curriculum. The virtual classroom has many tools the instructor can use to facilitate a variety of learners. Students are able to log on at anytime and participate in the virtual classroom.
Teachers have a variety of options for delivering instruction, such as recorded lectures, video clips, power points, websites, various readings, and web quests to engage learning.
Teachers are able to easily differentiate instruction by having students use text reader, leveled text, and modified assignments. Most importantly students can work at their own pace while receiving instructional support from the online instructor. The instructor can help guide a student by providing constant feedback via message boards and instant messaging
Teachers have a variety of options for delivering instruction, such as recorded lectures, video clips, power points, websites, various readings, and web quests to engage learning.
Teachers are able to easily differentiate instruction by having students use text reader, leveled text, and modified assignments. Most importantly students can work at their own pace while receiving instructional support from the online instructor. The instructor can help guide a student by providing constant feedback via message boards and instant messaging
How to Build and Online Community
Just as in the traditional classroom setting, it is just as important in the virtual classroom to have authentic student communication and interaction.
Students can communicate in a variety of ways, they can use message boards, instant messaging, and Skype. Students can post their work for the other classmates to read, review and make comments. Students who are reluctant to share ideas and opinions about their work may be more willing using online learning.
Online instructors must use effective communication by providing timely and continual feedback with the online student via e-mail, online chat, online postings.
Students can communicate in a variety of ways, they can use message boards, instant messaging, and Skype. Students can post their work for the other classmates to read, review and make comments. Students who are reluctant to share ideas and opinions about their work may be more willing using online learning.
Online instructors must use effective communication by providing timely and continual feedback with the online student via e-mail, online chat, online postings.
Assessment
It is important to have formative and summative assessments. The virtual classroom allows a student to show their understanding of the content in a variety of ways.
Students can create their own websites, blogs, and portfolios that demonstrate mastery. Traditional assessments such as quizzes and tests may be used as well but are no longer the only option. Online classes can take on a Project Based Learning approach that is tailored to student need and understanding.
Providing a Rubric is important because it shows students how and what they will be graded on in the given assignment.
Just as in the traditional classroom the online classroom can be modified to accommodate a variety of learners. It is important for instructors to understand the learning style of their students.
http://www.vark-learn.com/english/page.asp?p=questionnaire
It is important to know your students to ensure that the best online learning environment is being delivered. In addition to knowing and understanding your students learning styles it is also important to know how to appropriately modify lessons for all students regardless of their academic abilities.
Gauging Student Needs / Pre-test / Student abilities and previous knowledge
Encouraging Self Direction / Independent work / Collaboration with others / Reflection
Monitor Student Progress / Communication / On-going verbal and written feedback / Note taking
Check for Understanding / Quizzes and Exams
Demonstrate Understanding / Developing a Portfolio that demonstrates the students knowledge and mastery of subject.
Bloom's Taxonomy
provides a framework of critical thinking skills that can be used for developing ideas and sharing ideas both in the classroom and online.
Students can create their own websites, blogs, and portfolios that demonstrate mastery. Traditional assessments such as quizzes and tests may be used as well but are no longer the only option. Online classes can take on a Project Based Learning approach that is tailored to student need and understanding.
Providing a Rubric is important because it shows students how and what they will be graded on in the given assignment.
Just as in the traditional classroom the online classroom can be modified to accommodate a variety of learners. It is important for instructors to understand the learning style of their students.
http://www.vark-learn.com/english/page.asp?p=questionnaire
It is important to know your students to ensure that the best online learning environment is being delivered. In addition to knowing and understanding your students learning styles it is also important to know how to appropriately modify lessons for all students regardless of their academic abilities.
Gauging Student Needs / Pre-test / Student abilities and previous knowledge
Encouraging Self Direction / Independent work / Collaboration with others / Reflection
Monitor Student Progress / Communication / On-going verbal and written feedback / Note taking
Check for Understanding / Quizzes and Exams
Demonstrate Understanding / Developing a Portfolio that demonstrates the students knowledge and mastery of subject.
Bloom's Taxonomy
provides a framework of critical thinking skills that can be used for developing ideas and sharing ideas both in the classroom and online.
Creating a Safe Learning Environment/Ethics and Safety
It is important to establish rules and expectations in the virtual classroom.
Many expectations are similar to those of the traditional classroom.
Be Safe, Respectful and Responsible
Our mission at Alliance is to create a safe and bully-free environment for all students regardless of their difference.
For a more in depth look at the virtual classroom expectations click on MORE tab and see Online Etiquette page for helpful links and videos about how to keep yourself and your information safe when online.
http://netsmartz.org/RealLifeStories/CantTakeItBack
Many expectations are similar to those of the traditional classroom.
Be Safe, Respectful and Responsible
Our mission at Alliance is to create a safe and bully-free environment for all students regardless of their difference.
For a more in depth look at the virtual classroom expectations click on MORE tab and see Online Etiquette page for helpful links and videos about how to keep yourself and your information safe when online.
http://netsmartz.org/RealLifeStories/CantTakeItBack
Being Responsible
Read http://www4.milwaukee.k12.wi.us/webmail/mps_student_aup.html
Learn about Copyright Laws
Technology influences student achievement and academic performance by providing high order thinking and problem solving skill development as well as preparing student's for the workforce and college.
Virtual classrooms are a new space for student learning. New opportunities await students and prepare them academically for the future, provide a solid understanding of the role of technology in our world, and a space to express their personal voice
