VirtualClassroom-Kasey

=How can effective communication between students and teachers enhance the virtual classroom experience? =

Why is an awareness of your topic important for future teachers?  Learning environments in which students and teachers are separated by time and/or space, also known as virtual classrooms, are becoming more common in elementary classrooms. Much research has been done on synchronous and asynchronous communication and the effects it has on the virtual learning. Effective and frequent communication within the virtual classroom is relevant and important to consider because communication between the teacher and his/her students is a crucial part of the learning process and the development of meaningful learning. Valuable communication must take place in order to ensure students are learning and understanding material. If the virtual classroom is going to be used with elementary students, teachers should know how to successfully communicate with his/her students in order to enhance learning and build relationships.

What is your personal connection to the topic? This topic is particularly interesting to me because I have had a few “online” classes while at the University of Florida and the main issue for me while taking these classes was the limited communication. If effective communication was used to inquire about assignments and engage in discussions, I think I would have learned more during my virtual classroom experiences. Because virtual classrooms are becoming more common even at the elementary level, I wanted to research how effective communication can enhance the virtual classroom environment. I also wanted to learn about what types of communication resources, both synchronous and asynchronous, can be used in the virtual classroom to benefit learning.

=Key Terms =  Virtual Classroom - also known as "online courses"; a learning environment in which the teacher provides course content through course management applications, multimedia resources, the internet, videoconferencing, etc. Students receive content and communicate with the teacher through different technology media and the internet. 

Synchronous Communication- communication not in real-time 

Asynchronous Communication-  provides an instant, real-time exchange of ideas; more like face-to-face interaction.

= = =Best Practices  =  Technology-based communication can be used to enhance the virtual classroom experience. By using synchronous and asynchronous communication tools, students and teachers can exchange information, participate in discussions, inquire about assignments, receive additional help and guidance, and build a sense of community.<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> Communication using technology can also enhance the virtual classroom by allowing students to talk with other students and collaborate about material being learned.

Overall, effective communication enhances the virtual classroom experience by <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 99%;"> =<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 99%;"> <span style="background-color: #000000; color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: center;">Using Technology to Communicate and Enhance Learning in the Virtual Classroom <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 99%;"> = =<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 99%;"> = <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 99%;"> To create a meaningful learning environment in the virtual classroom, teachers must teach elementary students how to effectively communicate using the following tools: <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 108.9%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 119.79%;"> Synchronous Communication <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 89.1%;"> Tools: <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 99%;">Benefits :
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 99%;">promoting educational conversation
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 99%;">promoting democracy in the classroom
 * enhancing social environment
 * providing constructive learning moments
 * helping students and teachers form relationships and build a sense of community for learning
 * exchanging academic support
 * chat rooms
 * instant messaging
 * videoconferencing
 * interactive whiteboards
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 99%;">allows for students and teachers to communicate and receive feedback instantaneously
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 99%;">students feel connected with the teacher and the course material
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 99%;">creates positive perceptions of chats
 * live interactions with people that they would otherwise have no access

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Asynchronous Communication <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 108%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 89.1%;"> Tools: <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 99%;">Benefits: =<span style="background-color: #000000; color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: center;">Resources =
 * discussion forums- post responses and feedback
 * voicemail
 * email
 * bulletin boards
 * podcasting
 * global communication- opportunity to communicate with people who are from different geographical locations
 * giving students more reflection time
 * encourages critical thinking
 * [|Myngle's NEW Virtual Classroom]
 * [|WiZiQ]
 * [|EPals]
 * [|GlobalSchoolHouse]
 * [|Edmodo]

=<span style="background-color: #000000; color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: center;">Media Resources =

media type="youtube" key="EVln4C4_hXo" height="344" width="425" media type="youtube" key="4hMGbTPnWIc" height="344" width="425" media type="youtube" key="4jU1WujyADk" height="344" width="425" =<span style="background-color: #000000; color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: center;">Annotated Bibliography <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> =

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> Wang, A., & Newlin, M. (2001). Online Lectures: Benefits for the Virtual Classroom. // T H E Journal //, //29//(1), 17. http://search.ebscohost.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;">This article introduces the idea of synchronous communication and the benefits it provides for learning and communication. The author emphasizes that synchronous communication allows for students and teachers to communicate and receive feedback instantaneously. This immediate response allows for students to feel connected with the teacher and the course material. Although the article presents many advantages of synchronous communication, it also states the importance of asynchronous communication in the virtual classroom. The authors also present a personal virtual classroom experience to demonstrate asynchronous communication.

According to the article, asynchronous communication is an important factor in learning and communication within the virtual classroom. It benefits the development of meaningful learning because it promotes didactic conversation, democracy in the classroom, social presence, positive perceptions of chats, and constructive learning moments.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Hiltz, S., & Wellman, B. (1997). Asynchronous learning networks as a virtual classroom. //Communications of the ACM//, //40//(9), 44-49. http://search.ebscohost.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;">This article talkes about asynchronous communication in the virtual classroom and how communication over the computer can benefit learning. It allows students and teachers to form relationships and build community within the classroom. The article also emphasizes how computer communication within the classroom is replacing face-to-face communication.

Since asynchronous learning is becoming more common in the classroom, it is important to know they benefits and uses it has toward teachers and students. The information in the article is helpful because it addresses the benefits of virtual classrooms concerning communication and the development of meaningful learning. Some benefits include exchanging emotional support, information, and a sense of belonging in learning.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> Nagel, L., Blignaut, A., & Cronjé, J. (2009). Read-only participants: a case for student communication in online classes. //Interactive Learning Environments//, //17//(1), 37- 51. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 13.2pt; font-weight: normal;"> <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> <span class="wiki_link_ext">http://search.ebscohost.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu,doi:10.1080 /14948207015 0 <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">1028

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;">The author of this article claims that the online community plays a huge part in the success of a classroom. It is important for instructors and students to use frequent interaction and communication. The article also emphasizes that communication and the success of a virtual classroom requires classroom postings, grade discussions and formative feedback, and communication with internet-independent media to convey important information. The author also argues that online students sometimes engage and learn even when not taking part online discussions.

The main points presented in the article specifically relate to the effect of the virtual classroom on communication. By having students participate in virtual interaction and communication, they become more successful students and participate in meaningful learning. Some ways students and teachers can communicate is through online postings, discussion boards, and through various internet medias.