Virtual Classrooms

A virtual classroom is very similar to a live classroom, only virtual classrooms are accessed online. There are many different reasons why someone may access a virtual classroom. For instance, a complete class may be offered online, such as the one I am writing this assignment for. In that case, all of work is assigned and turned in online and all of the notes and overview of materials are offered online as well. Another version of a virtual classroom is one that is offered for extra information. This particular type of virtual classroom suppliments the information given in a live classroom meeting. Virtual classrooms can include all types of information including, but not limited to, audio/video, web links, discussion forms, live chats, work stations, and email or a similar form of communication. Virtual classrooms are a great new tool for people who are not able to make it to live sessions. For example, many people in today's world are very busy from day to day and simply do not have time to attend traditional class-like sessions. These people are often working and trying to further themselves in their career. Virtual classrooms are a great alternative which allow them to accomplish their desired career paths.
In my opinion, virtual classrooms are a great idea. The best part about them is that you can contact classmates or the instructor in a timely fashion. There is no waiting for the next session to get missed information. Also, the fact that they allow for little to no time to be lost throughout the day is a great benefit. I know that my life is fairly hectic with two jobs and being a full-time student. Online classes, or virtual classrooms, allow me to maintain my hours at work and get my school work done at the same time.
I would like to see further research done to see if people generally perform better in virtual classrooms or a traditional classroom setting.

Article link: http://www.ashridge.org.uk/Website/Content.nsf/wELNBLL/Virtual+classrooms?opendocument

Streaming Video

Studies have shown for decades that all children learn differently. For example, some children learn better with hands-on activities while others can simply read a book and retain the same amount of comprehension of a particular topic. Streaming video is yet another resource which allows students to attempt to learn more by using their resources. In short, a streaming video allows video, voice and data to be shared on one continuous stream via the internet. The article I read was based on schools in Rhode Island which utilize streaming video and incorporated it into their curriculum. In this state there is a "Rhode Island PBS Video-Streaming subscription service" which organizes videos, voice and data into categories based on topics that would be covered in classrooms.
As previously stated, this would benefit many students because it allows them yet another resource for learning. Some students might be able to achieve complete comprehension of a topic after viewing a streaming video via the internet.
I believe this resource would greatly benefit students and allow for further learning. It would also allow students to see many topics being studied in action instead of just reading about them. It would be a great substitute for hands on when hands on is not an option. I would like to see further research done to show how much more streaming video helps students learn. Also, would students be more apt to learn from streaming video because they are used to watching videos at home on websites such as YouTube?

Article Link: http://www.ripbs.org/Education/video_streaming.html