Definition of Virtual Classroom
Before
entering fully into the establishment of the meaning of the term virtual
classroom, we will establish the etymological origin of the two words that give
form:
-Aula comes from Latin, from "classroom" that was what was called the courtyards that existed in the royal palaces.
-Aula comes from Latin, from "classroom" that was what was called the courtyards that existed in the royal palaces.
-Virtual, also emanates from Latin. In his case, it derives from
"virtus", which was used to refer to the force or will that was had
to undertake a task in question.
For many
years, the idea of a classroom was associated with the physical
space (the classroom ) where a teacher dictates classes to their
students. However, with the development of technology, some time ago a
notion emerged that poses a new type of classroom: the virtual classroom .
A virtual
classroom is known as a digital environment that enables the
development of a learning process . Information and
communication technologies ( ICT ) allow the student to
access the study material and, in turn, interact with the teacher and other
students.
A virtual
classroom has no physical limits: its limitations are linked to the
availability of access via the computer. The student, on the other hand,
can "enter" the classroom at any time and from anywhere to
take their classes. Unlike
traditional classrooms, where the teacher is physically present and exercises
greater control over the student's actions
, in the virtual
classroom is the student himself who must decide how, when and how to study.
Virtual
classrooms usually present different tools that the person studying
can use.
The video , downloading the study material,
participation in forums and chats and interactive exercises are common in this
type of educational environments. It is
important to mention that, although there are entities that offer training
entirely online, there are traditional study centers that complement the offer
of their schools or universities with virtual classrooms to improve
the quality of the educational proposal.
Starting
from all the exposed characteristics, we run into the fact that if the
classrooms of virtual type have managed to increase considerably in recent
years is due to the large number of advantages they offer: -allow anyone to improve their training by combining his personal and
professional life, without impediments of any kind.
- No less relevant is that the study of the matter in question can be done comfortably, simply from the sofa at home. -The access to all content, resources and exercises that are contained in the virtual classroom is permanent.
- No less relevant is that the study of the matter in question can be done comfortably, simply from the sofa at home. -The access to all content, resources and exercises that are contained in the virtual classroom is permanent.
That is to say, it is open at any time of
day for the entire established duration of the training. In this way, the
student can carry it out at the time that suits him best, when he has free time
and, moreover, at his own pace.
-Not less relevant is that it is an important saving for the student for two
reasons. First, because it is a time saving because you do not have to
lose that in moving to any school. Second, because it also prevents you
from needing unnecessary expenses in traveling to that place, you do not have
to make any disbursement either in gas for your vehicle or in public transport
tickets.
