Over the years, with the rapid advancements of modern technology, virtual classes have become a more popular medium for learning. This, whether it’s for distance learning, online courses, or remote training, knowing how to ensure an engaging learning experience virtual has become imperative. However, this can be a daunting task as virtual learning continues to innovate. Despite the changes, the best practices for virtual class delivery stay consistent. Each works in combination with the others to create a web of practices which effectively aid in facilitating online learning.
Establishing Clear Communication
One of the most important practices to effective virtual class delivery is the establishment of clear and consistent communication. This refers both to the standardization of communication platforms as well as creating a foundation of comprehensive objective and learning outcomes which will aid in the navigation of the virtual classes. Some examples may include standardized registration confirmation emails, class reminders, etc.
These aspects are essential to a productive class environment as they not only create a reliable foundation for the classes to work upon, but also directly impacts performance within the class. Without clear explanations, feedback, and communication with students and instructors, students may struggle to comprehend the material taught in class. This could affect comprehension, retention, and ultimately have a negative effect on their performance in class.
Good communication is also critical to other aspects of virtual learning, such as engagement.
Engagement
Creating an engaging and interactive environment for students is crucial to the delivery of a successful virtual class. Engagement driven teaching practices can include live polls, breakout/brainstorming sessions, virtual whiteboards, and multimedia presentations and elements—such as videos, infographics, and quizzes. Through the employment of interactive teaching strategies which keep students involved in the classes, and active learning rather than passive, students will be more likely to ask questions, contribute to discussions, and share their ideas. This increases the effectiveness of learning overall as active participation allows for better communication between students as well as instructors and students. This in turn aids in building positive relationships and increasing understanding of material and thus the effectiveness of the classes.
Through the use of these interactive learning tools, students can also collaborate with their fellow classmates—creating more opportunities to communicate and engage in the material.
Organized and Accessible Learning Materials
As students communicate and engage, they also collaborate. In an online setting, this is only possible through platforms that provide well-organized and accessible learning opportunities to the students. Clearly labeled and organized resources (such as files, emails, forms, and course videos) are essential to running an effective online class. Through making it effortless for students to navigate the necessary materials and locate relevant information all other aspects of learning are able to thrive.
Time Management
Virtual classes require effective time management not only to hold students’ attention for an extended period of time (as well as to prevent session fatigue), but also to allow for the most effective delivery of information.
A practical method of doing this is by breaking sessions into smaller, more digestible online modules with small (planned) breaks in between. This ensures a balanced distribution of time per element of content; which allows for an even distribution of interactive activities, lecture, and discussion throughout the course.
Time management is not only essential for instructors, but for students as well. Clearly communicated deadlines and expectations (for the scheduled course time), allows for students to manage their time effectively within the bounds of the course lectures, assignments, and group activities.
Through this combination of best practices, classes are able to flourish in a virtual environment. However, one practice stands out the strongest amongst the four—communication. Effective communication is an absolute necessity for any course. Whether it is sending emails, communicating with students about attendance, or informing them of the platform used for the virtual course, a lack of communication could prove troublesome.
Here at ProClass we recognize the importance of communication and provide tools to aid in the effective dissemination of such information within each class—customizable to various communication needs.
Would you like to know more? Visit us at ProclassOnlineSoftware.com, or contact us by phone (+1-866-337-1267) or e-mail (info@proclassonline.com).
