Best of the physical classroom environment with the best in online education

When online classes are paired with physical sessions, a new learning paradigm known as hybrid schooling emerges, in which students split their time between a standard classroom and a homeschool. It blends the advantages of both physical and virtual classrooms, giving students a win-win situation.

Previously, classrooms simply referred to the actual rooms in a school. This definition altered after the pandemic. Virtual learning environments are now included in schools. Continue reading to learn the distinctions between real and virtual classrooms.

• What is a physical classroom? 

Physical classrooms provide teachers and students with a face-to-face interactive environment. In a physical classroom, there are many materials and equipment such as projection screens, blackboards, seats, and desks. For students, the components of a physical classroom make a compelling experience. However, books and classes alone are insufficient to keep learners engaged. Other factors, such as teachers’ attitudes and, notably, peers, have a significant impact in determining students’ classroom interests.

Generally speaking, traditional class teaching is antiquated, and there has been precocious technological development over years. With advances in mobiles and IT technologies, students need to get exposed to such technologies to stay updated on the course because the virtual world is proliferating. Moreover, the students lack free time for their self-study and other activities. Hence, online learning is imperative.

• Online learning

Students learn in a fully virtual setting when they participate in online learning. Online learning (also known as e-learning) was first introduced in the 1990s with the creation of the internet and was used in distance learning. It allows students from all over the world to connect with academic institutions and other students online and learn at their own pace while working toward a degree or certificate.

The emergence of virtual learning has hindered the education system. Schooling has traditionally happened in person, which has had limitations for individuals unable to attend. So, the most obvious benefit of offering learning opportunities online is that you open education up to many more people.

A New Paradigm for Teaching and Learning Online learning

A pedagogical change in how we teach and learn is being catalyzed by online learning. A change is occurring away from top-down lectures and passive students toward a more interactive, collaborative approach in which students and teachers co-create the learning process. The function of the Instructor is modified from “sage on the stage” to “the guide on the side.”

Merits of Online Teaching and Learning: Why online distance learning and why now? 

Online distance learning meets the needs of an ever-growing population of students who cannot or prefer not to participate in traditional classroom settings. These learners include those unable to attend traditional classes, who cannot find a particular class at their chosen institution, who live in remote locations, who work full-time and can only study at or after work, and those who simply prefer to learn independently. 

The minimum requirement for students to participate in an online course is access to a computer, the Internet, and the motivation to succeed in a non-traditional classroom. Online courses provide an excellent method of course delivery unbound by time or location allowing for accessibility to instruction at any time from anywhere. 

Learners find the online environment a convenient way to fit education into their busy lives. The ability to access a course from any computer with Internet access, 24 hours a day, seven days a week is a tremendous incentive for many of today’s students. 

Some of the main advantages of online learning within the hybrid schooling system include

• Convenience: 24/7 access from any online computer; accommodates busy schedules; no commuting.

 • Enhanced Learning: Research shows an increased depth of understanding and retention of course content; more meaningful discussions; emphasis on writing skills, technology skills, and life skills like time management, independence, and self-discipline. 

• Leveling of the Playing Field: Students can take more time to think and reflect before communicating; shy students tend to thrive online; anonymity of the online environment. 

• Interaction: Increased student-to-teacher and student-to-student interaction and discussion; a more student-centered learning environment; less passive listening and more active learning; a greater sense of connectedness, and synergy. 

• Innovative Teaching: Student-centered approaches; increased variety and creativity of learning activities; address different learning styles; changes and improvements can translate to on-ground courses as well 

• Improved Administration: Time to examine student work more thoroughly; ability to document and record online interactions; ability to manage to grade online.

Everyone has their own “style” for collecting and organizing information into useful knowledge, and the online environment can be particularly well suited to some learning styles and personality needs. For example, introverted students often find it easier to communicate via computer-mediated communication than in face-to-face situations. In addition, the online environment lends itself to a less hierarchical approach to instruction, which meets the learning needs of people who do not approach new information in a systematic or linear fashion. Online learning environments are used to their highest potential for collaborative learning when they complement many students’ learning styles. Independent learners also find online courses to be well suited to their needs.

Because learners have different learning styles or a combination of styles, online educators should design activities that address multiple modes of learning in order to improve the likelihood of successful experiences for each class participant. In designing online courses, utilize multiple instructional strategies

However, with the aforementioned, the physical environment influence online learning. In past, discussions revolved around interactions between learner and content, other learners, teachers, or facilitators. Until recently, little attention has been paid to one type of interaction: between learner and physical environment. 

The physical environment plays a paramount role in students’ online learning. Learners studying online must feel the good vibes to focus well instead of the environment that has disturbance and distractions.  

ESPA Learn Pvt LTD has started a startup that is My Learn Coffee wherein a student can get access to the internet and which allows a learner to sink into the calm atmosphere to study along with enjoying a cup of coffee and palatable snacks. Furthermore, our client SP Smart School is thriving with incredible results in its students after they implemented our hybrid system in their schools. Thus, we provide the best physical environment and online education system for a student to boost their academic performance.