Virtual Learning

Question: Discuss the advantages Of virtual learning. Answer: Introduction Virtual learning is the process where the students are taught using digital aspects of courses of study by educational institutes. Another term associated with virtual learning is Virtual Learning Environment, also known as VLE, which is a system of teaching the students using online materials and resources (GOODALL Press, 2016). Advantages Of Virtual Learning Virtual learning has become very common in the present scenario but many people are of the view that virtual learning is not as effective as traditional learning while some believe that virtual learning is as effective as having a teacher teaching you in a class room. Virtual learning has actually proved its effectiveness over the period of time. In fact, it would not be surprising to say that virtual learning, in some ways, is far better than traditional forms of learning. The advantages of virtual learning are discussed below: The main focus in virtual learning is on the individual The content being taught in the virtual learning process is focused on the students demands Virtual learning is not time or location bound Virtual learning can be tailored or customized according to the needs and demands of the students Virtual learning provides a learning opportunity to those individuals who cannot attend regular classes at specific time and venues ("Why you should use a Virtual Learning Environment", 2016) Virtual learning eliminates geographical barriers and allows the students to learn from experts sitting in another corner of the world Virtual learning can provide access to very large data banks of information as compared to class room learning (Stonebraker Hazeltine, 2016). Crunch The above mentioned advantages are some of the reasons which set virtual learning way apart from traditional forms of learning. Virtual learning has greatly evolved over the period of time. Virtual learning now comes with interact able content, such as images, videos, clips, medias, etc. Using multimedia content as a source of sharing information makes the process of virtual learning more effective as the humans are able to retain greater knowledge when they can see it, hear it and read it (ARMSTRONG, 2013). From the above information, it is quite clear that virtual learning process is as effective as traditional school and teacher learning process as it is more student oriented. The effectiveness of virtual learning can be judged from the fact that many institutes have already included virtual learning in their curriculums and almost every student, in the modern day world of information technology, tries to get his or her doubts clear by consulting experts present on internet websites or by downloading virtual learning content. Conclusion Virtual learning is the talk of the day and it is not without a reason. Studies have also found that the students opting for virtual learning courses have shown better completion rates than those students who have opted for non-virtual courses. Therefore, virtual learning is as effective as a teacher on a class and might outdate traditional teaching styles in the years to come ("Virtual Learning Effectiveness", 2016). Reference ARMSTRONG, S. (2013). Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Learning. Retrieved 11 July 2016, from https://elearningindustry.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-online-learning GOODALL, F. Press, O. (2016). Oxford University Press | Online Resource Centre | Learn about Virtual Learning Environment/Course Management System content. Global.oup.com. Retrieved 11 July 2016, from https://global.oup.com/uk/orc/learnvle/ Stonebraker, P. Hazeltine, J. (2016). Virtual learning effectiveness (1st ed.). Retrieved from https://www2.uca.es/ordenacion/formacion/docs/jifpev5-doc6.pdf Virtual Learning Effectiveness. (2016). Masb.org. Retrieved 11 July 2016, from https://www.masb.org/virtual-learning-effectiveness.aspx Why you should use a Virtual Learning Environment. (2016). Bbcactive.com. Retrieved 11 July 2016, from https://www.bbcactive.com/BBCActiveIdeasandResources/WhyyoushoulduseaVirtualLearningEnvironment.aspx