Using virtual classrooms to build an engaging learning community

Gone are the days when online learning was a novel concept. Though the term "E-learning" has been in existence since late 1999, the need to avoid public spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic has given online learning a tremendous boost in popularity.

Currently, most educational institutes around the world have adapted themselves to online education. Experts and talented individuals from various spheres are now actively embracing the idea of "edupreneurship."

Creating an online course is now easier than ever due to the availability of online course platforms like TrainerCentral. These platforms let experts build courses and quickly connect with hundreds of remote learners around the world.

However, due to several factors, many trainers find it difficult to keep their learners engaged throughout the entire course. A study shows that the completion rate for most of the online courses is less than 13%.        

Addressing the elephant in the room

The in-person classroom experience—where trainers and learners meet, interact, and brainstorm ideas—is missing in most types of online education. Trainers are unable to fully showcase their expertise, help learners grasp complex ideas, or successfully build new skill-sets. The lack of communication and the inability to feel the trainer's presence can make learners feel disconnected from their trainers and fellow learners.

The presence of human interaction, in the form of a webinar, video conference, or virtual group activity can help inspire learners in an online ecosystem. Virtual classrooms help instructors bridge the distance in distance learning. Features like video and screen sharing, breakout rooms, live polls, and quizzes help develop a collaborative learning ecosystem, where learners feel they can participate in an enthusiastic peer group.

Diverse possibilities in a virtual classroom

Train complex skills

Trainers should continuously monitor their learners and provide instant feedback while training nuanced skills like playing guitar chords or perfecting dance moves. A virtual classroom helps trainers stream their videos and train remote learners in real time. Learners also feel more confident when they can see their instructor demonstrating techniques live in front of them.

Evaluate learners on the go

Successful trainers continuously refine their teaching methodologies by evaluating learner understanding on the spot. Conducting live quizzes or polls improves learner engagement and fosters a competitive learning environment.

Foster community learning

Learning in groups helps inspire learner creativity and develop their collaborative skills. Breakout rooms within a virtual workshop allow trainers to split their session into several micro-groups, encouraging more focused interaction. Trainers can also use breakout rooms to divide their participants based on their knowledge, skill levels,  and shared group assignments.

Enable hybrid learning

Trainers teaching in a physical classroom can use a virtual classroom to invite field experts in another location to share their expertise. This gives learners a valuable opportunity to learn from experts from any part of the world without having to travel to meet in person.

Explain concepts virtually

Teaching a mathematical equation or a science derivation can be a complex process—especially when doing it online. Trainers need to explain every step carefully, and interactive features like TrainerCentral's digital whiteboard helps trainers simplify these equations and explain concepts visually.       

People learn the best in a community or a group. TrainerCentral's mission is to empower trainers to build an encouraging environment where learners aren't just taking an online course but feel they belong to a community where they can exchange ideas effectively.

Learn more about what TrainerCentral's virtual classroom feature offers.