Virtual classroom for e-learning

The pandemic has boosted e-learning which requires technical tools for successful remote interaction between teachers and students. And a virtual classroom is one of such tools which is, in fact, a digital environment for collaborative activities and remote classes. It enables students and the tutor to communicate in real-time providing them with needed functionality, namely: online whiteboard, screen sharing, chats, file sharing, breakout discussion rooms, etc.

A virtual classroom plays a crucial role in e-learning because it is compulsory for conducting teaching sessions in modern conditions. So it is in high demand among schools, universities, enterprises that are interested in personal training, government institutions that provide educational sessions, and globally distributed workforces.

Still, the question about how to create a virtual classroom remains open, and in this article, we will dive deeper into the development process, main components, and advantages of such an environment.

Step-by-step guide for virtual classroom development

1. Choose the type of virtual classroom

Rotation model

Rotation or blended model implies a combination of face-to-face and online learning. The balance between them is to be determined by the educator. The fixed schedule simplifies the process making it straightforward and clear for students. This model could be applied by schools interested in a virtual classroom as an additional tool for learning. Advantages of the rotation model are flexibility, optimal adaptation to students’ needs, and the possibility to organize learning in small groups with process customization.

Flex model

In the case of a flex model, online sessions are conducted for the particular subject and could be combined with offline collaboration. For instance, the student rotates through different stations in accordance with the individual schedule and meets the teacher once or twice a week to discuss progress, new goals, and challenges on the path to achievements.

Students control the pace of the learning process that gives them autonomy, while teachers organize guidance and face-to-face meetings. This approach has been successfully implemented by schools and colleges. Sometimes, they use a flex model at brick-and-mortar campuses where all students work on their own computers, and this scheme resembles traditional classroom settings.

A La Carte model

Students choose courses to pass them completely online. Training could be conducted by a virtual tutor and is popular at high school where students take classes at the brick-and-mortar campus or off-site.

Enriched virtual model

Students choose a separate course or series of courses. At the initial stage, they have a face-to-face session with the tutor. The remaining part of learning should be completed remotely. From time to time, students meet with their tutors to evaluate their progress. And these face-to-face sessions are neither social events nor optional office hours — they are required.

2. Define goals

The way to develop a virtual classroom depends on your goals. So you should find out the target audience that would benefit from using the virtual classroom during the learning process. Learners must clearly understand what they will get after finishing the course. While setting goals focus on crucial aspects:

· Applicability (think about the suitability of the virtual classroom, find out its benefits in comparison with other learning approaches)

· Interactivity (decide how to make the platform interactive, at CyberCraft, we achieve this with additional functionality implemented through polls, breakout rooms, chats, various self-assessments, and learning activities)

· Technical complexity (it depends on the area of usage, though lack of interactivity can play a sick joke on the virtual classroom popularity, worsening the engagement level and user experience)

· Feedback (experience of e-learning application shows that a literate facilitator — virtual or a real one — helps with student’s engagement, progress evaluation, and schedule, so this feature should be included almost in every virtual classroom)

3. Choose the development methodology

Different tools are suitable for virtual classroom creation. It could be a special course builder, WordPress, or a set of technologies allowing to develop the platform from scratch. The last option is the most expensive but provides a high level of customization.

Instead of building virtual classroom software from scratch, for providing distance learning you can use other tools: Massive Open Online Courses, Bootcamps, and online degree programs. Anyway, an operational learning system with APIs and integrated communication tools could make a difference. It includes many useful integral parts:

· Audio and video conferences

· Tools for streaming and recording

· Enrollment or registration modules

· Module for class planning and scheduling

· Whiteboard for online collaboration

· The base of learning content

· Real-time chat

· Tools for assessments and feedback

· Automatic course recommendation

· Uninterrupted infrastructure deployed in the cloud

· Responsive design

· Module of analytics and dashboard

· Integration with the help of APIs

· Pay system

4. Choose the right option for deployment

To choose between different deployment models — in-house and on-premise or cloud-based — you should analyze the needed level of functionality and security, your budget, and lead time for the launch.

How to create a virtual classroom that deserves attention?

The basic rule here is to implement in a virtual classroom the right set of features and functionality. CyberCraft’s team involved in e-learning development can cope with this task through integrating useful functions, including:

· Video content (recorded lectures have the necessary potential to engage students and simplify the learning process)

· Micro-learning activities (students are distracted and easier perceive the small amount of information, so micro-learning could be the most efficient)

· Offline availability of content (it’s convenient for students when content could be downloaded and be available offline)

· Responsiveness (lots of students take courses while using not only laptops but, for example, their smartphones, therefore virtual classroom environment should be mobile-friendly)

· Progress reports (these reports help both students and tutors to evaluate the current progress in training)

· Quizzes and tests (they serve for knowledge check and unveiling existing gaps)

· Notifications (inform students about any improvements in the virtual classroom, new functions, and deadlines is must-have for a virtual classroom)

· Integration with Social Media platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter serve as additional platforms for advertising)

Virtual classroom performance is enhanced through modern technologies. For instance, Artificial Intelligence or deep-learning tools are being widely applied for course recommendation based on student’s interests, level of knowledge, and their previous interaction with the platform. Chatbot here serves as a buddy that explains the learning environment, meanwhile Augmented and Virtual Reality are indispensable for corporate training or any tests which should be conducted in extreme or special conditions.

CyberCraft as a virtual classroom provider

We cope with the development of a virtual classroom environment that constitutes a unique platform standing out from competitors. To achieve this, at the initial stage, our team analyzes the customer’s needs and an idea, taking into account existing trends in e-learning. Also, we can take over market research with identification of the target audience, testing an idea, gathering statistics, and building MVP. MVP with basic functionality is the best solution for basic testing, even though it doesn’t have all the features.

Besides the business idea, CyberCraft’s team assesses the technical feasibility, choosing optimal solutions for frontend and backend of the virtual classroom. No less important step is to work on UX/UI design that will lead to better user engagement. CyberCraft’s team could develop a virtual classroom for employee training, conducting seminars and webinars, schools, and educational institutions.

Thanks to relevant experience, our team could assist you in the creation of a simple or sophisticated virtual classroom system suitable for mobile or web platforms. So if you need help, feel free to get in touch with us to go over details of your new e-learning product. We can work with ready-to-go educational solutions that will reduce spent costs and time-to-market, or develop a virtual classroom from scratch, introducing needed functionality and preferred customization.