Faculty's Examination of Virtual Learning Strategies to Communicate With Students

Background

Over the last two decades, web-based technology has had a dramatic impact on learning and teaching (Chou & Liu, 2005). Gone are the days when the projector, projector table, television, and transparencies are hauled into the classroom to teach major concepts and application. Today, there is the inclusion of Smart Boards in classrooms, which is utilized to enhance teaching during face to face instruction and to provide additional resources and opportunities for interactivity. In addition to Smart Boards, online classes have emerged. The online class is one that is unique and user friendly, if employed correctly. With teaching an online class, activities must be accessible in a virtual format. This virtual format can be utilized distance education courses and programs. Distance education allows instructors and learners to communicate at a distance through a format that is not the same as a traditional classroom (Walker, 2009). An online class is usually taught in a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Virtual Learning Environments can be defined as “components in which learners and tutors participate in “on-line” interactions of various kinds, including on-line learning” (Weller 2007, p.3). Another definition of a VLE is a “… a virtual classroom that allows teachers and students to communicate with each other online. Class information, learning materials, and assignments are typically provided in via the Web. Students can log into the class’ website to view this information and they may also download assignments and required reading materials to their computers. Some VLEs even allow assignments and test to be completed online” (Christensson, 2008). In reviewing the research on virtual learning environments, the key word is communication.