CCT205+Lab8*


 * Lab 8**

The classroom, whether it is virtual or physical, has the potential to become a great learning environment. The virtual environment allows for great time flexibility, useful one-on-one feedback opportunities, anonymous participation, and speedy access to large volumes of information. The physical environment allows for instantaneous feedback, group discussion, the opportunity to make friends, and a more personal learning experience.However, each of the two methods have their limitations. A purely virtual or purely physical learning environment is not ideal. The best solution is to incorporate the most useful aspects from both methods in order to create the best possible learning experience.

A physical classroom that posts class information online is the ideal learning experience. It is also the method that our university is currently implementing. By organizing physical meeting times for lectures, tutorials, and practicals, students are able interact with the material face to face. If they have questions, they may ask them in real time, and even if they do not, they may learn from the questions of their peers. By being able to communicate both with the professor and their peers, students build very important communication skills. However, this learning style may not be suited for everyone. Some students prefer to learn course materials on their own. By posting the course material online, all of the information from the physical meetings is re-enforced. Students have a place where they can easily access course material on their own time and further build upon the knowledge they received in class. This also allows for further participation opportunities for the students who are to shy to participate in class and prefer anonymity. Both the virtual and physical classrooms complement each other, and together create a very valuable learning experience.

Kyle Martin Manoza