Education virtual learning

Virtual learning in higher education

Abstract

Virtual learning has created both synchronous and asynchronous learning through various online platforms using webinars and lecture capture. The improvement in communication technologies across the world has created remote learning environments. It is the main reason for developing virtual learning and keeps pace with online platforms current trends. It provides wide scope for learning, understand the problem and solve them in the context of ongoing digital process. This paper describes various aspects of e- learning such as types, benefits, challenges, steps to be taken by higher education and current online course offer by various Indian educational institutions.

Key words; virtual learning, higher education, synchronous, asynchronous, communication technology, online platform.   

Introduction

Virtual learning also called as digital learning. The use of of virtual environment has now become very popular among student communities and various social groups. Presently number of colleges and universities focusing on digital learning that makes students activity participate in online virtual learning process. As a result, it makes easy access to higher education. Students learn at their own pace and keep them in the comfort zone, where they can improve themselves at their own. Virtual learning support real time experiences by sharing information’s, methods, documents, records, and so on. Online platforms allow them to actively engage in digital environments. Recent research shows that virtual learning has created positive changes in learning any concept in higher education. Hence it is essential to implement digital learning in all across the higher education as soon as possible. The main aim of introducing virtual learning is to provide access to remote  learning environments for students those who have not able to access to  their institution and high quality of education.

 Types of e- learning

1. Computer based virtual learning- instruction provided by an educational software installed on a computer, where customized study material provided for the specific needs of the students

2. Internet based–it is the extension of computer based virtual learning. Here the instruction provided by the software and delivered through  internet and students get this through login with their password and username.

3. Instruction by remote teacher- there is no physical presence of teacher. Instead, teacher interacts with their students through videos, chats, and voice, for this purpose many online learning applications available, in which students interacts with their teacher as they were in the classroom.

4. Blended  learning- the combination of above mentioned learning with traditional methods of classroom teaching make it unique and more powerful

Benefits

The students and teachers get maximum benefits out of virtual learning as follows

1. Interaction between student to teacher and student to student are live and effective engagement throughout the session.

2.  Students learning experience enhanced by giving more examples available online.

3. They can get their customized curriculum according to the student learning pace, ability, and, interest, which cater individual needs of pupils

4. Feedback from instructor can actively  be given  immediately

5. Since it is online class it can be recorded and given to students those who are absent for that particular day.

6. Task become easy for teacher by getting computer assisted Curriculum design. So that time saved and easy to complete the curriculum within the stipulated timeframe.

7.  It is an easy task for parents to monitor their children by getting direct and live  evidence from the teacher

Advantages

1. Affordability- many universities offer an online course at affordable  price so that can learn from anywhere

2. Accessibility- even students from a remote area can easily access their online classes via internet and also it has become simple for disabled students, because there is no need for physical presence in the classroom

3.  Flexibility–students can schedule their study plan according to their flexible time. Students can set their goal according to their natural ability.

4.  Management- It has become simple in terms of administrative work and student performance

challenges 

1. Motivation is an important aspect, as there is no physical presence of teacher, students might get deviation from their attention. It  is difficult to monitor each student whether they are psychologically ready to learn.

2.  It is difficult to express their skill without special equipment

3.  Investment is a big problem for economically poor institutions.

4.  Communication become tough if improper internet speed encountered

                            

Major Steps to be taken by instructors

 1. Legal protection should be taken care of by strictly following copyright act. Students and teachers communities should be aware of copying other copy right reserved study materials, otherwise they will be subjected to copyright act. (Dziennik ustaw, 2000,n.80, item904 with amendments).

2. Instructor should upgrade them to the latest technology. Since a number of cutting-edge technologies emerging on virtual learning, it is mandatory that every instructor should upgrade them by taking virtual training programs.

 3. Proper information should be given to all students while conducting Webinar’s (synchronous learning) and lecture capture (as synchronous  learning). Prior to teaching and while teaching, an instructor should inform doe’s and don’ts regarding general technical operation, so that students can aware of technical issues which they encounter in their session.

 4. Personal security should be maintained by giving a password. each student should be given unique username and password, so that security problem can be avoided and protected personal information, in which others can not intrude and steal information’s.

 5. Instructor should monitor their students and get feedback from students after completion of each virtual class. There is a probability of chance that students not listening to their instructor, in order to avoid this situation periodical examination is essential that will alert the students throughout the session.

Conclusion

Virtual learning brings a new dimension to the academic education. In this modern era students availing access to the cutting edge technology with regard to digital learning, that enable them to pursue various new online courses at their disposal. It offers a highly sophisticated and convenient way of learning at anywhere any time. Many young people consider e- learning as attractive and modern way of learning in which they are appealing towards learning process. Hence, eventhough traditional methods are being given importance, the e-learning also should be given more priority, so that we can avoid dropouts in higher education. The blended way of approach bring change the way students learn and overcome all educational barriers

References

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2. list of online courses in india. (n.d). retrieved from.  http://ww.indiaeduinfo.com/online%20courses

3. the use of virtual learning. (2020). Retrieved from .https://scand.com/company/blog/the-use-of-virtual-learning-environment-in- education/

4. virtual learning in higher education. Edtech magazine.(n.d0 retrieved from http://www.edtechmagazine.com