Virtual+Learning

=Virtual Learning = toc

Virtual learning has become a large platform in which instruction is presented to students. There has been a huge "boom" of online degree programs and certifications. Schools, colleges, universities and companies are using virtual classrooms to train and instruct members. They are web-based interactive programs that allow for video and voice communication with people across the world. There have even been recent trends in K-12 schools using virtual classrooms.

What is it and how do I use it?
Virtual learning is a tool that utilizes the internet to conduct learning and instruction in an interactive way. Virtual education refers to instruction in a learning environment where teacher and student are separated by time or space, or both, and the teacher provides course content through course management applications, [|multimedia] resources, the [|Internet], [|videoconferencing], etc. Students receive the content and communicate with the teacher via the same technologies. [|Wikipedia]

The virtual classroom is located in your living room and may be accessed 24/7. The student typically needs only basic software to access their online course and is expected to have a high speed internet connection. The online course provider typically provides any additional software needed to participate in the class. The software providing the classroom experience is hosted by the provider and is known as Course Management System software. [|WikED]

Here are some online classroom programs with included tutorials on how to begin use:

 * [|VirtualClassroom.org]
 * [|WizIQ]
 * [|Moodle]
 * [|Blackboard]
 * [|WebEx]
 * [|Elluminate]
 * [|Skype]
 * [|Krawler]
 * [|Alphastudy]
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">[|Apex Learning]
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">[|Atutor]
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">[|Brainshark]
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">[|Chamilo]
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">[|Claroline]
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">[|Desire2Learn]
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">[|DoceboLMS]
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">[|eFront]
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">[|HotChalk]
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">[|ILIAS]
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">[|Meridian Knowledge Solutions]
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">[|Metacoon]
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">[|Saba Software]
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">[|Sakai]
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">[|SpicyNodes]
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">[|Zoologic]

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Replacement ideas
<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">With the increasing access to technology in classrooms, as well as in homes, using this technology as a means to instruct students is finding many uses to replace or enhance current teaching practices.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">[|Eliminate snow make-up days] Students are being given the means to continue some of their daily lessons on snow days through the use of virtual classrooms. They are able to view previously used presentations or listen to recorded instruction. There would be no need to take away vacation days or extend the school year.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">[|Gain college credit while in high school] High school juniors and seniors are able to take college courses through an online platform to gain credits before entering college. This would enable high schoolers to gain an edge when their required curriculum is completed prior to graduation.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">[|Environmentally friendly] Using online classroom tools allows for a decreased need in paper products such as copies and textbooks.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">[|Teaching Homebound students] Students who are location bound due to illnesses can use this format to maintain current and on grade level. This would replace the need for teachers to go to a location to teach students not able to be inside the classroom.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Research and articles

 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">[|Virtual Teaching in Higher Education]
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">[|Virtual Classrooms Could Create a Marketplace for Knowledge]
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">[|Keeping Pace with K-12 Online Learning] This study took a look at all 50 states and the virtual programs that were offered in K-12 schools. Most the programs were for high schoolers but they found some uses in the lower grades. This study came from concerns about the courses' accountability and validity, as well as performance of participants.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">[|Second Life Learning]
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">[|Virtual Learning Can Improve Student Outcomes] This study contains many useful resources. It includes costs of programs, requirements, schools and programs.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">[|Video of Van Beek's findings]
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">[|PDF files of study findings]