A virtual classroom is a digital environment that makes the development of a learning process possible.
Before entering fully into establishing the meaning of the term virtual classroom , we are going to establish the etymological origin of the two words that give it shape:
-Aula comes from the Latin, Aula , which was what the patios that existed in the royal palaces were called.
-Virtual, also emanates from Latin. In his case it derives from virtus , which was used to refer to the strength or willpower one had to undertake a task in question.
What is a virtual classroom
For many years, the idea of a classroom was associated with the physical space (the classroom ) where a teacher teaches classes to his students. However, with the development of technology, a time ago a notion emerged that proposes a new type of classroom: the virtual classroom .
A digital environment that enables the development of a learning process is known as a virtual classroom. Information and communication technologies ( ICT ) allow the student to access the study material and, in turn, interact with the teacher and other students.
The online classroom is available 24 hours a day, allowing the student to access the training whenever they want.
Main features
A virtual classroom has no physical limits: its limitations are linked to the availability of access via 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 it is the student himself who must decide how, when and in what way to study.
Virtual classroom resources
Virtual classrooms usually present different tools that the person studying can use. Videoconferences , downloading 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 completely online training, 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.
Advantages of this method
Starting from all the characteristics presented, we come across the fact that if virtual classrooms have managed to increase considerably in recent years, it is due to the large number of advantages they offer:
-They allow anyone to improve their training by combining their personal and professional lives, without impediments of any kind.
-No less relevant is that the study of the subject in question can be done comfortably, simply from the sofa at home.
-Access to all the content, resources and exercises contained in the virtual classroom is permanent. That is, it is open at any time of the day during the entire established duration of the training. In this way, the student will be able to carry it out at the time that best suits him, when he has free time and, furthermore, at his own pace.
-No less relevant is that it represents significant savings for the student for two reasons. First, because it saves time because you don't have to waste time traveling to any study center. Second, because it also prevents you from needing unnecessary expenses when traveling to that place, you do not have to make any outlay either on gasoline for your vehicle or on public transportation tickets.