EXPLORING EDUCATION THROUGH A VIRTUAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

by Jiten Achary Webmaster

With today’s technology, students have adapted to virtual learning environments for easier access to study materials and other educational resources. The advent of the learning platform or virtual learning environment is a non-conventional way of being a part of the academic community. With online study groups and preset templates available to select individuals, learning has never been this interactive and fun.

Virtual learning environment gives both students and teachers an online platform where they can discuss lessons, do assignments, answer quizzes, perform assessments, and more. Additionally, external resources are also made available through the virtual learning environment. Museum website links, academic journals, encyclopedias, and other online resources can be accessed with just a click of a mouse.

How exactly does a virtual learning environment work? Education happens in two ways: synchronously or asynchronously – the primary difference between the two being the manner by which the lessons are conducted. Students and teachers meet in “real time” for synchronous systems whereas individual learning is enforced in asynchronous courses. Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages of course. No matter what the method is, students are still bound to learn lessons, research home works, give evaluations, and participate in discussions.

One of the benefits of a virtual learning environment is that distance no longer becomes a major concern. Education is expensive and not everyone can afford to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to attend college and for those who do, they only end up paying thousands of dollars worth of student loans after graduation, a tragic reality that both parents and students are facing today. Virtual learning environments have made possible online certifications for certain courses or technical vocations. If, for example, an individual dreams of studying abroad but does not have the necessary resources to do so, registering (and perhaps paying a small fee) in an online program will easily make that dream come true.

The flexibility of the structure is beneficial to both parties (teacher and student) since the schedules, assessments, exams, and other related requirements can be accessed just by going online. For instance, a number of programs today offer online study groups to allow students to interact and discuss their lessons online. For some, studying alone can be really lonely and they find that they learn faster and more effectively if they are working with others on the same lesson. Students can help each other with lessons they don’t easily understand.

A few clicks here and there can result in quick responses from those who have completed the course. Those who are interested in enrolling in a virtual learning environment and hopefully join online study groups should choose a platform that is flexible and universal enough to allow students and educators to explore different strategies to learn and teach courses. Being a member of the academic community entails having the passion and conviction to learn and to educate. Go for the perfect virtual learning environment where both parties have the resources and means required to deepen the educational experiences for a meaningful and insightful learning.