Virtual Classroom
Digitalisation of classroom training
Virtual classroom training is live training supported by a collaboration platform. This makes it possible for participants to take part in the training in live mode from different locations. The use of virtual classrooms is particularly suitable in the context of a blended learning chain in order to make the learning process sustainable.
Highly experienced trainers are necessary for the implementation of virtual classrooms, as the interactivity of the events and maintaining the focus of the participants are particularly challenging online. Well-designed virtual classrooms are an ideal way of providing learning impulses within a learning process and thus making a significant contribution towards sustainability. At the same time, virtual classrooms are associated with a lower investment in comparison to classroom training.
Success factors group size and duration
For a successful virtual classroom, there are some important framework factors. In particular, the group size and the duration of the training are of importance.
For high interactivity and intensive cooperation, a group size of 8 to 10 participants should be envisaged. Within these small groups, the trainer is able to respond individually to the participants. As a rule of thumb: the smaller the group, the more intensive the virtual classroom will be.
A virtual classroom should be scheduled for 60 to 120 minutes maximum. The participants’ attention is strongly focused on the screen during the virtual meeting. In the long run, this can be more demanding for the participants than a pure classroom training session. It is therefore better to conduct several classrooms in doses spread over a few days rather than one over an entire working day.
Methods in the virtual classroom
Besides the framework factors of group size and duration, the methods used are also essential for a successful virtual classroom. Trainers have various options for using the tried and tested methods of classroom training in the virtual room. In some cases, due to the adaptation to the digital world, these even generate advantages.
- Simulations and role play scenarios
Simulations and role scenarios also provide optimal training measures in the virtual classroom. Within the framework of the virtual classroom, these can be recorded and analysed quickly and easily with the help of the webinar tool. - Collaborative tools
Digital collaborative tools are highly suitable for working on tasks or brainstorming together. Depending on the task objective, a wide variety of tools with whiteboard character are at the trainer’s disposal.
- Carrying out polls and surveys
Online polls and surveys have a decisive advantage over those in classroom training: they can be implemented quickly and evaluated automatically. Furthermore, an anonymous survey can be conducted just as easily. - Screen sharing
By means of the online meeting tools, the trainer and the participants share their screens. This is how tasks are discussed or content is presented. - Working in small groups
Working on tasks or discussing in small groups is also possible. In this manner, case studies are worked through in detail. Afterwards, the results are presented in the large group.
- Simulations and role play scenarios
Simulations and role scenarios also provide optimal training measures in the virtual classroom. Within the framework of the virtual classroom, these can be recorded and analysed quickly and easily with the help of the webinar tool.
- Collaborative tools
Digital collaborative tools are highly suitable for working on tasks or brainstorming together. Depending on the task objective, a wide variety of tools with whiteboard character are at the trainer’s disposal. - Carrying out polls and surveys
Online polls and surveys have a decisive advantage over those in classroom training: they can be implemented quickly and evaluated automatically. Furthermore, an anonymous survey can be conducted just as easily. - Screen sharing
By means of the online meeting tools, the trainer and the participants share their screens. This is how tasks are discussed or content is presented. - Working in small groups
Working on tasks or discussing in small groups is also possible. In this manner, case studies are worked through in detail. Afterwards, the results are presented in the large group.
- Simulations and role play scenarios
Simulations and role scenarios also provide optimal training measures in the virtual classroom. Within the framework of the virtual classroom, these can be recorded and analysed quickly and easily with the help of the webinar tool. - Collaborative Tools
Digital collaborative tools are highly suitable for working on tasks or brainstorming together. Depending on the task objective, a wide variety of tools with whiteboard character are at the trainer’s disposal. - Carrying out polls and surveys
Online polls and surveys have a decisive advantage over those in classroom training: they can be implemented quickly and evaluated automatically. Furthermore, an anonymous survey can be conducted just as easily. - Screen sharing
ÜBy means of the online meeting tools, the trainer and the participants share their screens. This is how tasks are discussed or content is presented - Working in small groups
Working on tasks or discussing in small groups is also possible. In this manner, case studies are worked through in detail. Afterwards, the results are presented in the large group.
