Similarly, businesses of all types can function without any interruptions through a simulated environment that uses virtual learning to create an incredible learning experience.

In this blog, let’s look into what a virtual classroom is and how to set up one.

What is a virtual classroom?

A virtual classroom is an online learning environment where students and instructors participate in learning activities. Virtual classrooms feature a video conferencing tool, an online whiteboard, instant messaging tools, and a lot more. Or you could always use a full-fledged online tutoring software that offers all these features and functionalities.

Here are some of the benefits of setting up a virtual classroom

Better accessibility

Learners can join a live class with just a smartphone and an internet connection which is great as it doesn’t require an elaborate setup to start your virtual classroom.

Cost-effectiveness

The need for a physical classroom setup, equipment, non-digital resources, etc., are eliminated in a virtual classroom. Both instructors and tutors can attend the classes from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the travel needs.

All of these significantly reduce the overall cost for both instructors and students without compromising the quality of education.

Wider reach

When you conduct online classes, learners from different parts of the world can access your sessions without any geographical restrictions. Virtual classrooms are advantageous in bringing together students from different parts of the world together in a single place.

Steps to create a virtual classroom

Decide on the delivery methods

One of the basic ways to deliver online classes is by creating slideshows with audio. Anyone can do this and doesn’t require any advanced technical expertise. However, the most engaging way is to deliver lessons through pre-recorded videos that students can access whenever needed. Along with that, you can choose to offer live classes by leveraging video conferencing tools to substitute the traditional classroom-like experience.

Create the right virtual classroom setup

To start your virtual classroom, the most basic way, you just need a smartphone, a microphone, and an internet connection. But if you want to enjoy a more professional setup, invest in a high-quality camera and more equipment like multiple cameras with split-screen, etc.

You will need online tutoring software to create your own virtual classroom that allows you to host both live classes and self-paced online courses. Pinlearn is one such professional tutoring software which you can build a sophisticated online tutor marketplace just the way you want; with all the unique customization you need.

Make your schedule clear

When creating a virtual classroom, make sure you plan your availability and notify your students beforehand. Communicate when you will be available, be clear about the timings, and always keep the time. You must also make sure to be flexible, especially during the pandemic where uncertainties are several.

Differences in students’ time zones from different parts of the world can be an issue if not taken care of properly. Unstable internet connection, technical failure, etc., are scenarios that can interrupt the flow of your classes.

Hence stay flexible to make necessary changes in the already made plan to respond to any situation by maintaining a professional attitude.

Set expectations, goals, and routines

Educators also need to set expectations, goals, and routines in the virtual classroom setup. Establishing routines and goals will foster a productive learning environment and will encourage students to take ownership of their learning. In addition, you can create presentations or videos related to this to share in your virtual classroom.

For example, ask your students to ensure that the internet connection is stable, make sure the laptop is fully charged, be on time for the class, gestures to follow while the tutor is taking class, mute when others are speaking, etc.

Make a visually appealing tutoring space

Even when you are teaching online from the comfort of your home, it is important to create a dedicated space that is visually appealing and has the right tutoring environment free of distractions.

Creating a dedicated work area attractive to the student is important, as it helps both instructors and students to increase their productivity. Make sure the teaching environment you set up is welcoming and has your personal touch, making learners feel great about attending your online class.

Making small modifications from choosing a well-lit clutter-free room to streaming your classes live to adjust the cam to your eye level can make a big difference in how well your classes go.

Enable multiple channels for communication

When setting up your virtual classroom, the thumb rule is to establish an efficient communication channel between the instructors and learners. Besides video conferencing, integrate instant messaging in your classes so that students can interact with teachers and other students in case of doubts. You can also consider creating WhatsApp or Facebook groups exclusively for your students to facilitate communication beyond the class.

Conclusion

Building and setting up a virtual classroom is not an easy task, especially for tutors who are unfamiliar with online teaching. But being flexible with the usage of new technology and tools can bring teachers a step closer to making online classes more engaging for their students.

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Basically, the question arises what is the virtual conference?

What is the virtual conference?

The gathering of all the employees and interacting with the help of a digital platform through Zoom or Google Meet. It is a type of meeting on the internet but rather than being physically present in the meeting, you attend it from the digital platform. It allows you to host a business meeting, a global conference, a trade show, work, teaching, or anything. Moreover, organising a virtual conference is a lot easier and cheaper than conducting a physical meeting. The more there is advancement in technology the more use of digital means to meet or to conduct meetings. Actually, digitalization has led to a revolutionary path to organize virtual conferences. And this latest pandemic has acted like adding fuel to the fire.

Now, there are two approaches to conducting these virtual meets synchronous and asynchronous approaches.

The synchronous approach means you could use pre-recorded videos in the line to convey your messages to virtual attendees. Usually, these types of meetings are used when the hosts are not tech-savvy. The host could play it safe by pre-recording their videos. These types of meetings could go well in educational lines. One could upload their pre-recorded video lectures or anything they want to convey. This approach is hassle-free and gives you an organized approach.

Whereas, on the other hand, we have an asynchronous approach which, means you are going live while organizing a virtual conference. This type of approach needs more knowledge about technology and digital platforms. A person should be capable of handling any technical glitches occurring during the virtual meetings. Well, you could also mix both approaches while conducting a virtual meeting.

Steps to conduct a virtual meeting:

In the beginning, you have to handle the process of registering the participants who want to attend your virtual conference. Once, you have decided which app or platform you are using to organize a virtual conference. You could state your condition beforehand on who should be attending your virtual meeting. you could even attach a form of what information you require to proceed with the virtual meet. You also need to tell them if they had to pay any kind of fees before attending.

On which platform you should be conducting your virtual conference?

Fortunately, there are a number of free platforms where you live-stream your conference. You could even use any social media application such as Instagram, Linkedin, or could try Google Meet or the Zoom app to start. Once, you are done with the registration process and eligibility criteria you could start deciding which platform is the best to organize a virtual conference. Actually, it depends on which type of meeting or conference you having is purely professional, or based on providing education. It totally depends on the host, and which platform suits the situation most. The added advantage is you could join these events from the ease of your home or anywhere. There is just one condition which is access to the internet.

Conveying your message

The main moto to conduct this virtual meet is to deliver your message. While organizing a virtual conference, you should take care that the main agenda of this meeting doesn’t get interrupted. To get started, you could even ask your audience to mute themselves from any unwanted interruptions. The host could prepare any presentation in a way to better convey or deliver their message. One could prepare some intro slides or could also cover the topic of why the meeting is conducted. One piece of advice that I would personally give is to prepare your presentations beforehand for yourself to avoid any last-minute hassle. The audience of your meeting should be given time to get their doubts clear if they don’t understand anything in their session. This will make it easier for the audience to understand what clearly the host wants to convey.

Video and sound quality should be good

If you are going to hold an asynchronous approach towards organizing a virtual conference. Then the pre-recorded video should have a good video quality for best understanding. Especially, for those recorded videos which include a presentation and numerical values in it. This would be an added advantage for the company to prepare some slides for a better understanding and that should be recorded in crystal clear video. If also the meeting is synchronous meet, then mere stress should be given to the videos and sound quality which should be perfect for a successful virtual meeting.

As per video quality is concerned, there are more factors that should be given priority. Like anticipating the number of attendees, noise, and lighting while considering the video quality as it can triple your business productivity.

Conclusion

Actually, hosting a virtual meeting is beneficial for all those people who cannot physically be present in the meeting. This enables to resolution of distance issues occurring to the conduct of an actual meeting. Thus, in this pandemic situation, it is the best way of communication that any company should have. This is the best means to safeguard all the employees and attendees from the coronavirus.

I hope that you find the article useful to you. If you have any questions or queries, please let us know via the comments section. And we will try to help you in all possible ways.

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The post How to organize a virtual conference? appeared first on Tricky Enough.

The ultimate aim of education is the betterment of humanity since the past. Schooling and education have been an uncompromised aspect of society and irrespective of the class segments, the demand for quality education has been at the forefront since then. With the growing competition, educational methods have undergone a huge transformation as the demand grew enormously.

Universally, education is divided into two formats. Primary and secondary. Primary education takes care of essential learning abilities right from age 6 to 12. This includes identification of colors, shapes, language learning and symbols, arithmetic computation, and problem-solving skills. This kind of learning benefits the child to learn with greater ability and boost confidence for further studies.

The secondary education starts from teenage, that helps in understanding life skills, and enhancing perception and personality in terms of educational aspects. For example, personality parameters for primary education differ from those in secondary education because the foundation of the latter turns out career-oriented and much emphasis is given on the choice of career based on the scores of previous grades.

On this backdrop, education is getting smarter and smarter as the educational landscape is widening. It is now defining the art of specialization and skill set with proper tags.

Hence, this post will help you understand the importance of smart education and learning techniques with some insights.

Technology Penetration Vs Technological divide…

It is no doubt that the SMART technology has defined clarity and approach in the education sector. While the teaching costs have risen up, the technological transformation brings innovation to the table. An example of a perfect transformation would be not only providing iPads or online sessions but giving alterations to the teacher’s role as well. For this, initially, the tutor needs to be highly adoptive of digitization with a clear perception of outcome for students while learning at a digital pace.

This kind of change seems unimaginable at first, as the markets experience a slow adoption of digital learning in emerging countries. While the markets are fully digitized, the education sector is technologically reforming at a moderate pace. At present, the adoption rate in the U.S. market is around 80-85% while those as compared with Indian markets go up to 30-35%.

Therefore, the speedy adoption of technology-based learning can help gain the markets a full advantage of the digital divide.

Technological Variation…

Until now, it is clear that technology plays a vital role in bridging the gap. There can be numerous examples of how technology is changing the education sector!!

This implies students develop conscientiousness while choosing the type of educational platform that offers all-round learning about the concept in the real-time. To be certain, various platforms offer DIY techniques and practice sessions instantly after a particular topic is finished.

But, this happens on a school level, does the same happen at the higher education level?

Yes!!

Colleges have transformed with cloud technologies to provide online learning platforms to their students. For example, several colleges and institutions have provided open access libraries for students that allow them to browse the virtual library. Many universities have already stared with massive online courses (MOOC). Courses under this category are usually free, although depending on the nature and duration of a specific course, small fee stands applicable.

The intention of such platforms is to provide a flexible model of education to working professionals that wish to enhance their skill set or upgrade their domain knowledge. Additionally, these courses have received a huge response from the corporate sector in the past few years.

Technology Owners, Students, or teachers?

On the backdrop of coronavirus pandemic, online learning is gaining huge momentum as there are no early signs of reopening of schools. Also, the school shutdowns and remote learning have stimulated the need for digital learning platforms, big time!

Recently, Mckinsey & Company published the article “New Global Data Reveal Education Technology’s Impact on Learning” in June 2020, to share significant insights on whether technological dependency should be continued even after the re-opening of schools. The article also included survey results that were obtained under the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) published in December 2019 and facilitated by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

To understand the cognitive behavior of 15-year-olds OECD deploys PISA every three years that derive collective data sets for cognitive analysis. For example, in 2018, around 350,000 students from more than 45 countries participated in the technological survey to understand the intensity of technological intent in schools. Some of the following questions were asked to teachers;

• The intensity of technology used?
• Any positive impact on student learning based on technological inclination?
• The standard amount of time spent on using devices for homework and classrooms, and,
• The variation of technology in different countries and regions?

The test result states that the results were best when the tutor is using the device. For some subjects such as math and science, there were lower outcomes when the devices were exclusively used by students. 

The details drawn from PISA attract some limitations (that are not covered in this post) yet it gives some insights. For example, despite the fact, it draws single-point observational data to derive a correlative study over causation, the assessment is useful in terms of gauging the level of understanding and implementation areas of ideas. The sample tests can also resemble the factual findings based on ground reality.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Education…

Smart education and learning emphasizes on adaptive learning and drives the production of customized content for learners. This enables the students to learn at their own pace and develop effective learning styles. Moreover, students are empowered with software access to various platforms that encourage self-learning abilities.

On the contrary, software tools for learning and various learning models are constrained to offer flexibility with maximum potential. At times, the learner might find it uncomfortable to continue with the succeeding session. Therefore, to fulfill this dire need, artificial intelligence and software framework facilitates efficiency to the learners. Cloud technologies provide basic features to fulfill scalable solutions for AI deployment.

Simply put, AI is changing the educational dimensions for students to allow outreach for wider possibilities with enhanced learning.

Quickly, let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages

• Smart education and learning are forming a concrete base under educational technology and trends. It enables the learner with the longevity of resources and retains the study materials even in offline mode.
• There will always be a high demand for digital tutors based on positive reviews and feedback from students.
• Maximized learning and broadening of self-perception based on access for a wide repository of online resources. Enhanced learning offered through interaction between tutor and learner in real-time thereby resulting into a better clarity.
• Learners get a chance to enhance other related core areas of their own field.

Disadvantages

• Although the ongoing adoption of the SMART approach in the education sector seems high, there are a few concerns that remain unaddressed such as fluctuating bandwidth, geographical divide, and level of technological penetration. There can be pioneers, followers, and trailing markets for smart education and learning operating with different demand and supply scenarios.
• Apart, several countries continue to follow the traditional patterns of learning despite digitization. However, this establishes the fact that traditional learning models continue to influence positiveness since tutors and learners can interact face to face.
• The cost of technology, talent, operations, and resource management is high to keep them running and average performing educational startups succumb to fierce competition in the smart education and learning industry.

Conclusion:

Heidi-Hayed Jacobs once stated, “Teachers need to integrate technology seamlessly into the curriculum instead of viewing it as an add-on, an afterthought or an event”, stands true. In the feat of gaining knowledge and widening the perspective, the embedding of technology in education can reinforce quality learning. Therefore, the objective and pursuit of smart education must be to fulfill the learning gap and enhance the learning capacity.

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