virtual classroom
Online student-centered learning had its start when computers were first introduced to the classroom. At that time, students were encouraged to participate in a computer-based program but did so in a face-to-face classroom environment. Today, student-centered online learning is a deeper, more involved experience based on student needs. Students study on their own convenience and schedule. This type of learning is based on five key principles that enrich the virtual classroom environment: social, active, contextual, engaging, and student owned.
Social
online classroom environment
Online students actively participate by answering discussion questions and by responding to what classmates have posted to the discussion questions. Through building on what others have said, students become actively engaged in what they are studying. Also, by participating in the guided discussion threads, students discover how dependent they are upon one another. Through these discussions, too, students explore new relationships and they see how important communications occur via the Internet. As a part of the learning experience, students discover the collaborative effort involved in the learning process.
Active
Active learning is a crucial component in adult education. Active learning strategies help students explore what they want from their education, their attitudes toward it, and the values they hold. As a part of this, educators remember that the virtual classroom is asynchronous; that is, all students are not in the same place at the same time. However, the benefit is that students participate, share thoughts, and develop ideas when it is convenient for them and their schedules.
Contextual
According to the theory of contextual learning, students manage new information in such a way that it makes sense to their personal worlds of memory, experience, and response. What they learn has meaning in context, that is, to the environment they currently experience. Because facilitators address real-life issues, student feel studied material is relevant and has special meaning to them. Students immediately apply and utilize new lessons and knowledge.
Engaging
Actively Engaged
In online classes, students are active participants in their learning. They have to remain actively involved since they no longer have an instructor beside them, lecturing them and telling them what to think or say. In the virtual classroom, facilitators encourage students to establish relationships with other students so that together, they can work on establishing a knowledge base. In this environment, students feel safe despite any learning challenges.
Student Owned
Time to Reflect
Students, in online classes, assume greater responsibility for what they learn, for the goals they choose, and for managing what they learn. Students have time, within this learning environment, to reflect on what classmates are contributing before they respond. Students also realize they alone are responsible for the time allotted to each task and for memorizing material.
Tags: virtual classroom, what they, classroom environment, they learn, Active learning, discussion questions, online classes