The term e-learning or Learning management system has become a general term for virtual learning. LMS can help manage and deliver a correspondence course module online. E-learning can be as simple as a video uploaded online or as complex as an application running on a mobile device and connected to a server.
But how to use this tool to create a productive classroom environment? The key to a successful virtual training program is its persistence.
What is a persistent classroom?
A persistent classroom is an e-learning environment that runs twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week. The students can log in and participate in synchronous sessions at any time of day, like in a bricks-and-mortar classroom.
Instructors can have access to their virtual classrooms at all times. It will allow them to respond to questions or comments posted by students while trainers are away from their desks.
Benefits of the persistent classroom in a virtual classroom
1. Facilitates a better learning environment
Online classrooms have become the most preferred mode of learning for a large number of learners. These learners include the ones who cannot attend regular classes due to various reasons. One can have any valid reason like distance, absence, sickness, and other personal reasons.
2. Higher performance
There are different courses offered by different institutions that have an online option. If one is pursuing higher studies, then he/she can register for them with the required ease as compared to regular classes. Online education helps students to work on their weaknesses.
3. High flexibility
The flexibility offered by online education is better than any other mode of education available today. Students can study from anywhere without any restrictions or limitations. What they need is continuous access to the internet, and a computer or laptop.
4. Being in charge of their learning
Students can learn at their own pace and take as much time as they need to complete the assignment instead of running after a deadline. They can also work and study with the help of persistent classrooms.
5. Easy collaboration
The virtual classroom that uses the persistent learning feature of LMS makes it easier for students to research and work together.
6. Saves time
Whiteboard features allow students to spend more time learning. It also allows a student to use the time that was previously spent on writing papers, taking notes, and completing assignments.
A learning management system (LMS) helps in delivering an immersive eLearning experience in the virtual classroom. It can also leverage persistent classrooms to its maximum benefit.
How LMS can help
• LMS (Learning Management System) streamlines planning and delivery of training. It provides a centralized system that manages the content. It also eases collaboration among participants.
• An LMS follows a modular approach, often used for designing an effective e-learning course. The modules of these courses are self-contained units of information that cover one topic or skill. Every module consists of content built from scratch or pulled from existing sources.
The module content can be of any type ranging from PowerPoint presentations and PDF files, videos, and podcasts. You can even create your modules with a combined authoring tool.
• Content creators can build modules in whatever format works best for them. They can make video, audio, slideshows, tests, simulations by using the tools they are familiar with. Then they can upload them to the LMS, where the modules become available to instructors and learners through the user interface. Also, with persistent classrooms this content does not need rebuilding for a different session, it can be used again.
• An LMS can also help in analyzing and rewarding the performance of a trainee or student, including reports, quizzes, and activity feed.
• The Single Sign-On (SSO) feature of LMS provides one-click access. You don’t have to remember yet another password through industry standards.
• Many LMSs like the Adobe connect app offer mobile versions of their apps. It allows users to access course content on smartphones or tablets to use persistent classrooms.
Conclusion
The key to success in creating a virtual classroom is to understand the benefits of persistent classrooms. And utilize this feature of LMS to design a platform that allows instructors to leverage the benefits and maximize their teaching effectiveness.
