Impact of Virtual Classrooms
In the contemporary world, technological advancement has taken center stage in all aspects of our daily lives. The advancements in technology have enabled people to improve various aspects of their lives, including businesses, entertainment, and education. As affirmed by research studies, there has been a rise in the use of technology in classrooms. Teachers and students have been using computers, mobile devices, and the internet to access more reading resources that are available online. Although the issue of using these devices in a classroom has been subjected to controversies, online learning has proved to be beneficial. Online learning entails a virtual classroom, whereby the learners and instructors converge in an online platform and interact face to face in real-time using digital dices that are internet-enabled. Virtual classrooms are favorable where the participants are occupied in other endeavors and thus unable to attend classes in person. Although virtual classrooms are incredibly advantageous to learners, not everyone can access them due to lack of internet access and technological devices.
Virtual classrooms have become increasingly common following the inevitable technological advancements that are witnessed every day. Many people have seized the opportunity as it allows them to attend their classes at the comfort of their homes. This is convenient for most people, especially in times of crises such as the current pandemic. Undeniably, virtual classroom enhances the learning ability for those involved. For instance, learners are able to engage experts from all over the world to learn from them in real-time. As well, students get to interact with one another without leaving their homes, which promotes independence and time management. Despite having such appealing advantages and convenience, virtual classrooms are limited to only those who can afford them.
For learners who come from financially-challenged backgrounds, holding virtual classrooms may prove to be hard for them. This is because for one to attend a virtual classroom needs to have a stable internet connection, which is expensive and unavailable in some locations. Financial challenges make it hard for students to afford the technological devices required to access online classes. In most cases, low-income earners have to travel to friends’ places where there are facilities that can enable them to access the learning platforms. However, since they are not the real owners of the devices, they may feel uncomfortable borrowing them every time they need to attend a virtual class. As well, they may not be familiar with the gadgets, thus making them unease during the learning process.
The virtual classroom is not a technology that is meant to replace teachers, rather supplement the learning process by improving the collaboration of learners in various places. Given that the process requires a steady internet connection, virtual classrooms would not be available in rural locations. This would disadvantage the students coming from these areas as they cannot access the service. Even if the government chooses to fund the program, it will be faced with a severe challenge of unstable internet connection. Besides, it may take time for individuals to familiarize themselves with the new experiences of virtual classrooms.
In conclusion, virtual classrooms offer a chance to continue with education in circumstances where learners cannot gather in one room. Although it is the promise of the future in education, the service may not be available to individuals in rural areas and those from financially-challenged households. Some students may be left behind curriculum-wise if they do not get access to the virtual classrooms. It is of paramount importance for students to access this service as it promotes essential individualities that are crucial in learning and social work.