Online+Virtual+Classroom+&+MVU+-+B.A.

=//**Online Virtual Classroom & MVU (Michigan Virtual University)**//= The concept of an online virtual classroom is one where students can attend class via computer from anywhere with an internet connection and still get some teacher-to-student and student-to-student interactivity and collaboration benefits of a physical classroom. This is essentially the goal of the Michigan Virtual University (MVU), they provide convenient and cost-effective education to Michigan's current and future work force. Click on the link below to learn more about MVU and what it can bring to Michigan's teachers and students.

Michigan Virtual University

//**Variations Of Class Style**//
Most people view online classrooms and learning as very one dimensional, this is not true. There are many different types of online and virtual classrooms that utilize an assortment of teaching techniques in an attempt to reach all student's different learning styles. Some of the different kinds of virtual classrooms are characterized as: These are not all of the different class types but is a good representation that all virtual classrooms are not alike.
 * //Virtual Classroom:// Live teacher instruction and feedback online that enables real-time voice interaction, whiteboard sharing, and breakout sessions to enhance a student's learning experience. This provides students an opportunity to interact with the teacher as well as classmates by oral and written communication.
 * //Virtual Operating Room:// Giving students a space to learn the basic induction procedure before stepping foot in the real-life operating room.
 * //Hypertext courses:// Structured course material is used as in a conventional distance education program. However, all material is provided electronically and can be viewed with a browser. Hyperlinks connect text, multimedia parts and exercises.
 * //Video-Based Courses:// Like face-to-face classroom courses, with a lecturer speaking and Powerpoint slides or online examples used for illustration. Video-streaming technologies is used. Students watch the video by means of freeware or plug-ins.
 * //Social Networking:// These classes employ Web 2.0 technologies to increased social interaction between students, student-centered instruction and a problem solving curriculum. Students can address a problem that is oriented to a cross curriculum activity. Teachers will act as guides and resources, but it is up to the students to collaborate, discuss, review ideas, and present solutions.

//**Good Or Bad For Education?**//
While the quality of online courses and schools is rapidly increasing with ever-developing new technologies many critics argue that it may have negative side effects for students. The argument is not about the academic aspect, which online or virtual courses have proven to be very effective in, but the social side. Over the last several years the people skills of the nation's you has been declining which, researchers believe, is in a direct correlation with online technologies including virtual classrooms. So even though virtual classrooms do provide various avenues for feedback and collaboration between teachers and students the argument is that students will not benefit from the kind of social development that they would have received in a physical classroom.



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