How do you feel about using virtual rooms in the classroom?

Many colleges now use virtual rooms as a way to conduct class when not all students are in one location. We would love to hear your thoughts on this topic here and on our LinkedIn group. http://linkd.in/hcknCB

Tags: LinkedIn, education, higher, in, rooms, technology, virtual

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Permalink Reply by Thomas Stanley on December 29, 2010 at 6:49am

One of the ideal tools to do this is using both synchronous and asynchronous tools. The synchronous tools include a video cam and a program like illuminate or skype to have the class interact on real time topics. They can share documents, discussions, and websites as a part of the daily classroom regime. If you are doing it asynchronously I had a great deal of success using an LMS system called Blackboard. Within that system there are not only discussion, testing and content areas but a group area that allows students to post and check out their work, use chat, use wimba for real time work, and it allows you to control who is in the group. I am sure there are other programs with some of these tools in them but it was nice to be able to use all of them.

I also think building your content in areas like school tube, facebook, and other social media programs allows you to have an instant discussion with students. Using cell phone technology can help to, podcasts and twitter can also connect you directly with your students.

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Permalink Reply by Diana Hansen on January 10, 2011 at 6:17pm

Thank you so much for your feedback, Thomas. It is clear that you are very knowledgeable on this topic, and it would be wonderful if you would be willing to share your thoughts with the HP LinkedIn group members as well: http://linkd.in/hcknCB. They would appreciate it greatly.

Also, this is the first time I have heard mention of School Tube… would you mind elaborating on what it is and how it is used? Thank you!