Nowadays, learning methods are not bounded in the classrooms. Our world has plenty of ways to ease the task of learning or studying. The dimensions of online learning are much broader as it is working around the globe. Virtual learning is associated with these terms of studying. It refers to the terms of creating a perfect online environment for online courses. In this article, we will also discuss its meaning, key benefits, and characteristics. We have also brought a list of similar forms of learning, which have enhanced the aspects of the teaching and learning process.
Definition:
To enhance learning experiences by using computers and internet virtual studying has brought more available facilities for the educational organization. In this situation, the teachers and the learners are physically separated, and the learning activities are done online. The quality of this method of learning depends on how does an institute or a platform is using modern technologies with modern educational theories.
Characteristics:
It is essential to know the terms of the online education system before becoming a part of this world. To get it more briefly, let’s have a look at some significant characteristics of it.
1. Behaviorism theory:
Behaviorism theory stands for the terms of how a learner is behaving or responding while learning. When a teacher is teaching a particular subject, they can observe the learner’s behavior and also can control or modify it. One can observe that a learner is doing well as they are instructed to do or only prepared to reproduce facts.
2. Cognitive theory:
The cognitive theory explains how the mind is performing a learner while learning. The role of the brain and the level of cognitive development form the learning foundation. In terms of virtual learning, the cognitive theory refers to customize the learning environments and to provide tailored content to the learners for cognitive abilities. It will help the teacher to present a lesson with more perfection.
3. Social constructivism theory:
The social constructivism theory is the best application for group discussions and brainstorming problem based learning activities. This application refers to an environment of virtual classrooms for live online teaching activity by using interactive tools.
Key benefits of virtual studying:
- It offers worldwide remote access to an array of educational services.
- It forms the safest and most secure environment for learning activities.
- Virtual studying enhances the flexibility of learning in terms of time and geographic location.
- The primary benefit is that it costs less and easy to scale.
- It also increases the level of competence and learning styles.
Related forms of virtual study activities:
Multiple similar forms of virtual studying present different aspects of learning and teaching, as listed below.
Web learning:
Web learning refers to the terms of learning through a particular website. In this situation, the learner used to gain knowledge through a website by reading blogs and watching videos.
Online learning:
Using websites for learning is optional in terms of online learning activities. It generally refers to a program or app which you have installed in your computer and mobile device and using it for learning.
Distance learning:
There is no use of the web or online learning tools in distance learning activity. It can be done via video conferencing, where a teacher is teaching the students by sitting in a virtual classroom. In simple words, we can consider it as a live online learning activity.
Conclusion:
Virtual learning can be associated with these similar forms and also can overcome many drawbacks of physical learning environments like time, location, and essential facilities. It offers the teacher to teach a large number of students and make the learning activity more convenient.
