Tools and softwares are important to make any virtual classroom studio functional.
In its most functional sense, virtual classroom tools and softwares modify the solution’s hardware and orient it towards its actual intended use. For instance if the virtual classroom camera is to capture video feed, the kind of video feed and intended focus can be determined by these tools and softwares.
While buying a virtual classroom solution, along-with the hardware which carries with it the bulk of the costing, it is imperative upon the buyer to pay close heed to the various add ons. The normal course of any virtual classroom project implementation is to first understand the use case of any project which basically entails identifying the main users and intended beneficiaries of the virtual classroom. Thereafter, suitable tools and softwares are to be procured or sourced in order to mould the solution to fit the usage requirement of the user.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of tools and softwares available for use in conjunction with the virtual classroom:
- Browser extensions – Many commercially available browsers on the world wide web consist of extensions that make the virtual classroom experience more engaging. For instance, Google Classroom is a handy extension. Even though it is an extension exclusively for Google Chrome, the readymade integration with a web browser offers both convenience and ease of use. There are hundreds of such extensions available for browsers that help transform the virtual classroom experience from being cumbersome to seamless.
- Recording softwares – Virtual classrooms and online classroom recording are complementary functionalities. One aids the other. Free to use softwares available on the internet helps exponentially aid and increase the utility of the primary software being used for virtual classrooms. An excellent example of this is the Open Broadcaster Software. Such open source softwares help in readily launching recording functionalities in online classes and help enhance the institutional memory of the user. Such well maintained freewares cost nothing, but provide disproportionate value.
- Learning Management Systems (LMS) – Such LMS platforms complete the virtual classroom solution. The virtual session, if recorded needs to be hosted online for further referencing and later viewing. A robust LMS can fulfil that need without much trouble. To this end, the Moodle platform – again a free to use platform – works excellently. The platform is fully customizable and is trusted by thousands of learning institutions across the world – from colleges to universities to training establishments, the platform caters to one and all. Themes and plug-ins add a fresh dimension to the software. Once fully integrated into the virtual classroom system, the LMS brings to life the virtual classroom after the live online teaching and learning is over.
- Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) – The VLE is an advancement on the LMS and thus it begins where the LMS ends. The LMS is designed to be reactive and not proactive in nature. As a result many elements of learning like assignments, quizzing, testing, polling, attendance, presence, group and team work, seminars and the like are usually not a part of the LMS. If the LMS is designed to run supplementary to the actual classroom, the VLE is designed to simply replicate and if feasible even replace the actual classroom. We all understand how important physical presence of the student can be to education and training, but VLE is a worthy goal to chase considering the educational penetration that is still required in a country like India. As the saying goes, ‘some goals are so worthy that is even better to fail than to not participate at all’.
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